Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke has reminded farmers that NSW Government drought assistance is available despite recent falls of rain.
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Speaking on a grey wet day, Ms Cooke welcomed the conditions but reminded farmers not to self-assess and to contact the NSW Rural Assistance Authority for help.
"It's wonderful to be under grey skies and see the water on the roads, paddocks and pavements of the Cootamundra electorate, but I'm not about to celebrate," she said.
"It's important that farmers understand that I have been watching the situation across the electorate and that I want them to know that all the support which the NSW Government has put in place is still very much available."
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Ms Cooke said the NSW Government Drought Assistance Package is providing $1.1 billion worth of support which remains available.
"This little bit of rain isn't going to change much for farmers, there will still be difficult decisions to be made now and in the future, so it is important that primary producers bear in mind the support which is available to them.
"I understand that crops are beginning to fail and that some canola crops are being cut for hay, while some cereal crop regions may be able to harvest grain. However, with increasing temperatures and lack of rain, this may deteriorate quickly.
"In July a $500 million NSW Emergency Drought Relief Package was announced which includes $190 million for Drought Transport Subsidies, $100 million for cutting the cost of farming fees and charges, and $150 million to bolster the Farm Innovation Fund infrastructure program.
"There is also funding for counselling and mental health support.
"All of these are still in place and will remain so - the NSW Government is standing by farmers until such time that the drought is declared at an end. I strongly encourage any primary producers to look at the range of support available to them and apply."
For more information on the NSW Government's emergency drought relief package visit www.droughthub.nsw.gov.au<http://www.droughthub.nsw.gov.au> or the Rural Assistance Authority on https://www.raa.nsw.gov.au/
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