Financial counselling for drought affected communities continues

Support for drought-affected communities in southern and south-west Queensland will continue with the Palaszczuk Government funding an additional two temporary positions under the Rural Financial Counselling Service.

“The Palaszczuk Government recognises the terrible impact that the prolonged drought has had on people in Queensland,” Mr Furner said.

“Drought conditions since 2013 have hit the economic returns of some our hard-working producers placing them under severe financial and emotional stress and they are, quite simply, doing it tough.

“That is why we have had no hesitation in continuing to fund these two positions to assist primary producers manage the current conditions and, where appropriate, develop drought recovery strategies.

“The two positions will be based in Roma and Charleville and are in addition to positions funded under the Federal Government’s Rural Financial Counselling Service program.”

Mr Furner said schemes such as the Rural Financial Counselling Service were designed to help people in drought-affected rural and remote communities deal with the impact of stressful situations.

“The Rural Financial Counselling Service provides free financial advice to producers who are suffering financial hardship and have no alternative sources of impartial financial information,” Mr Furner said.

“The scheme delivers free intensive, individualised support to clients such as farmers, harvesters and small, related businesses.

“It should be noted that rural financial counsellors do not provide family, emotional or social counselling but they can provide information and referrals to organisations.”

Rural financial counsellors can:

• help identify your financial and business options;

• help negotiate with your lenders;

• help you develop an action plan;

• help support you to access the Farm Household Allowance;

• give you information about government and other assistance schemes;

• refer you to accountants, agricultural advisers and educational services; and

• refer you to Department of Human Services and to professionals for succession planning, family mediation and personal, emotional and social counselling. 

Further information about the Rural Financial Counselling Service can be found on the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries website – www.daf.qld.gov.au 

Media: Brock Taylor – 0427 018 178