A boost to on-farm and community support programs are welcome, but decision makers must go the extra mile to deliver a strategy to survive future droughts. That's the message from farm and community groups following the announcement of the federal government's support package for drought-hit states of NSW, Victoria, South Australia and Queensland. There are no set trigger points to kick off drought support, and no definitive list of responsibilities for federal, state or local governments. That means when drought starts to bite, communities and farmers don't know how long they'll need to cope on their own, when assistance become available, what it's worth and how long it will last. The National Farmers' Federation welcomed the drought announcement, but called for renewed efforts to end the ad-hoc nature of the support. IN OTHER NEWS: The NFF is calling for a national framework that sets down specific responsibilities across Commonwealth, state and local governments so there's consistent support measures available in each jurisdiction. Country Women's Association of Australia president Tanya Cameron said farmers and small businesses are the fabric of rural communities, and they need policy surety to help them through a drought-hit local economy. AgForce said the Prime Minister's support package ticked several important boxes while Labor's agriculture spokesman Joel Fitzgibbon said the government's drought support package was inadequate. Whatever your view, it's hard to not have a degree of doubt over $1 million being granted to a shire in south west Victoria that's enjoying one of its best farming seasons. Moyne councillor and Woolsthorpe farmer Colin Ryan was left stunned with the announcement, believing the money was perhaps intended for Moira instead, something that would be welcomed by mayor Libro Mustica. The government should be applauded for providing drought support but, equally, it's crucial that money goes to the areas that need it most.
A dry Lake Hume at the Tallangatta Foreshore, near Caravan park. Aprril 2019. Picture: MARK JESSER
A boost to on-farm and community support programs are welcome, but decision makers must go the extra mile to deliver a strategy to survive future droughts.
That's the message from farm and community groups following the announcement of the federal government's support package for drought-hit states of NSW, Victoria, South Australia and Queensland.
There are no set trigger points to kick off drought support, and no definitive list of responsibilities for federal, state or local governments.
That means when drought starts to bite, communities and farmers don't know how long they'll need to cope on their own, when assistance become available, what it's worth and how long it will last.
The National Farmers' Federation welcomed the drought announcement, but called for renewed efforts to end the ad-hoc nature of the support.
The NFF is calling for a national framework that sets down specific responsibilities across Commonwealth, state and local governments so there's consistent support measures available in each jurisdiction.
Country Women's Association of Australia president Tanya Cameron said farmers and small businesses are the fabric of rural communities, and they need policy surety to help them through a drought-hit local economy.
AgForce said the Prime Minister's support package ticked several important boxes while Labor's agriculture spokesman Joel Fitzgibbon said the government's drought support package was inadequate.
Whatever your view, it's hard to not have a degree of doubt over $1 million being granted to a shire in south west Victoria that's enjoying one of its best farming seasons.
