FARMBIS SUBSIDY INCREASES FOR TRAINING
Published Thursday, 11 October, 2007 at 11:00 AM
Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries
The Honourable Tim Mulherin
Increased FarmBis subsidies for rural producers and land managers were announced today by Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries Tim Mulherin.
Participants in FarmBis training courses of at least two days will receive extra funding to cover 65 per cent of accommodation and meals, and a subsidy towards travel.
Mr Mulherin said he hoped the more generous support levels would encourage producers to take advantage of the extensive range of learning opportunities offered under FarmBis, a joint State-commonwealth Government program.
“Improving the knowledge and skill levels of land owners and managers through FarmBis is an investment in the future prosperity of our rural sector,” Mr Mulherin said.
“The increased subsidies will make training more attractive for producers and help ensure the long term viability of their enterprises.
“A lot of producers are struggling with cash flow at the moment and this will provide an extra incentive to explore the many learning options available.”
The new funding arrangements will help ensure a smooth transition to the national FarmBis program due to launch in Queensland on 1 July 2008.
Queensland FarmBis State Planning Group Chair Leith Boully said the increased levels of support would bring them in line with payments proposed under the national guidelines.
The subsidy increases from 50 per cent to 65 per cent, with a maximum payment of $130 a day, for accommodation and meal expenses incurred while attending training courses.
For the first time, support for travel costs will be available through FarmBis subsidises for participants who have to travel more than 150 km one way to attend courses.
FarmBis already covers 65 per cent of the cost of courses offered by registered training providers.
For more information on the range of FarmBis training courses and the assistance available, visit www.farmbis.gov.au
Media:
Minister’s office 3239 6530
DPI&F 3225 1386
Participants in FarmBis training courses of at least two days will receive extra funding to cover 65 per cent of accommodation and meals, and a subsidy towards travel.
Mr Mulherin said he hoped the more generous support levels would encourage producers to take advantage of the extensive range of learning opportunities offered under FarmBis, a joint State-commonwealth Government program.
“Improving the knowledge and skill levels of land owners and managers through FarmBis is an investment in the future prosperity of our rural sector,” Mr Mulherin said.
“The increased subsidies will make training more attractive for producers and help ensure the long term viability of their enterprises.
“A lot of producers are struggling with cash flow at the moment and this will provide an extra incentive to explore the many learning options available.”
The new funding arrangements will help ensure a smooth transition to the national FarmBis program due to launch in Queensland on 1 July 2008.
Queensland FarmBis State Planning Group Chair Leith Boully said the increased levels of support would bring them in line with payments proposed under the national guidelines.
The subsidy increases from 50 per cent to 65 per cent, with a maximum payment of $130 a day, for accommodation and meal expenses incurred while attending training courses.
For the first time, support for travel costs will be available through FarmBis subsidises for participants who have to travel more than 150 km one way to attend courses.
FarmBis already covers 65 per cent of the cost of courses offered by registered training providers.
For more information on the range of FarmBis training courses and the assistance available, visit www.farmbis.gov.au
Media:
Minister’s office 3239 6530
DPI&F 3225 1386