THE Western Australian Government has launched a drought response website and 24/7 hotline to support farmers impacted by current dry conditions.
The new website details financial and mental health support services available to farmers, up-to-date advice for livestock owners, and budgeting tools and calculators to assist producers in making economic decisions. It will also feature a video with expert analysis of the 10-day weather forecast and seasonal outlook.
Primary producers facing financial hardship can now also apply for up to $5000 per business to help cover the costs of stockfeed, water and transportation, as part of the state's $8.6 million package designed to support WA farmers. Interest-free loans of up to $25,000 per business are also available and can be used to establish feed silos, water tanks and improved irrigation systems or any other infrastructure that supports drought resilience. The loan is repayable over five years with no repayments for the first two years.
Applications for the Hardship Support Grant will close at the end of June, or when the two million dollars in funding is extinguished, with interest-free loan applications due to open at the end of the month.
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The Government said the new hotline will be operational later this week, with a trained operator available connect callers with grant information and relevant services.
WA agricultural minister, Jackie Jarvis, said farmers across the state are doing it tough and the Government wants to make it as simple as possible for eligible producers to access its financial hardship grants and interest free loans.
"The Drought Response WA website and hotline are designed to make this an easy process for our hardworking primary producers," Jarvis said.
"I hope the $8.6 million funding package will provide some relief to farmers and I want to assure the community our Government will continue to listen and monitor the drought situation."
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Other financial support for farmers:
