Palaszczuk Government boosts funding for rural financial counsellors

The Palaszczuk Government is boosting annual funding for rural financial counsellors by $75,000.

Agriculture Minister Leanne Donaldson said the Rural Financial Counselling Service (RCFS) provided free financial analysis, information and support for farmers and other agricultural businesses.

“Counsellors are located in most regional centres across the state and the free and confidential service they provide is a lifeline for farming families, especially those who are coping with the impacts of this record-breaking drought,” Minister Donaldson said.

“I know that their independent advice is helping rural enterprises to restructure their debt, negotiate with banks, develop financial strategies to get primary producers through the drought and plan for the future.”

The Minister said that while the RCFS was a Commonwealth Government program, it had been financially supported by the Queensland Government since 2004.

“Given the protracted nature of the drought, the Palaszczuk Government is increasing its contribution from $250,000 to $325,000 a year,” she said.

“This is a timely boost to a service that is making an important contribution to help farming families through a difficult time.

“It was an election commitment to continue the previous government’s drought relief arrangements until 2018 and we have not only held true to that pledge, we have enhanced and increased support in a variety of ways.

“Since the current drought began in 2013 the Queensland Government has provided more than $120 million of assistance.

“This financial year alone the number of claims made by primary producers has exceeded 3,500 with more than $9 million in freight subsidies and $7.3 million in emergency water infrastructure rebates processed.

“The Government has also waived water licence fees, discounted water supply electricity charges, provided land rent rebates and funded social support and community events, as well as mental health and well-being services through the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

“We have also committed to work with primary producers to develop long-term climate risk management and preparedness plans, as we must be ready for the next drought.”

ENDS

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