DROUGHTS, floods, fires and climate change are all impacting our rural primary producers and their families.

Last week, free financial planning and support services for primary producers was extended, with the NSW Government committing to the continuation of the Rural Financial Counselling Service.

Advertise with News of The Area today.
It’s worth it for your business.
Message us.
Phone us – (02) 4981 8882.
Email us – media@newsofthearea.com.au

Minister for Agriculture and Western NSW Dugald Saunders said the Rural Financial Counselling Service will continue to help farmers deal with the impacts of a tough few years, while also securing several jobs in regional NSW.

“This announcement means Rural Financial Counsellors will remain on the ground to help primary producers affected by the recent severe flooding,” Mr Saunders said.

“Our primary producers have endured an onslaught of natural disasters, biosecurity threats and COVID-19 over the last few years, and this has highlighted the financial impacts and challenges faced when these adverse conditions occur.

“The Rural Financial Counselling Service provides free, independent and confidential assistance, so people can improve their business decision-making process and preparedness practices.

“I am thrilled to announce an additional $5 million over the next three years for the program, which will help the sector adapt to our volatile climate and improve economic, environmental and social resilience.”

The Rural Financial Counselling Service has assisted farmers, fishers, forestry growers and harvesters experiencing, or at risk of, financial hardship for 30 years.

For the Port Stephens and Myall Coast communities, cattle growers and fishers are among many that have been able to access the service.

“There are 50 Rural Financial Counsellors working in our regional communities across the state, who are undertaking immediate and long-term financial planning, succession planning, farm debt mediation and guiding people who need to access government assistance,” Mr Saunders said.

“Ensuring this vital service will be readily available at a local level is essential to building business support networks and helps producers strengthen their knowledge and operations.”

The new commitment will see funding of the Rural Financial Counselling Service continue through to 2025.

Primary producers can contact the Rural Financial Counselling Service at Rural Financial Counselling Service – Northern Region on 1800 344 090 www.rfcsnr.org.au

By Marian SAMPSON