HALF of all claims made for funding from the rural relief fund have been made by farmers in the North-West, who continue to struggle against dry conditions, bushfires and recent floods.
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The fund that was announced by the state government last month and is managed by Rural Business Tasmania has experienced an influx in demand from producers across the state who are struggling with the extreme weather conditions.
"With the support of the state government we launched the Rural Relief Fund Appeal in recent weeks primarily to address the extreme dry," Rural Business Tasmania chief executive Elizabeth Skirving said.
"Due to the catastrophic bushfires, last Thursday's hailstorms and the crop damage they caused, and associated flooding in some areas, we now find ourselves with demand for crisis relief across many fronts."
So far the fund has helped farmers with electricity bills, vehicle registrations (farm vehicles), Telstra bills, irrigation equipment to extend water supply and stockfeed, emergency reserves only.
The fund has received applications from the North-West (50 per cent), the North (25 per cent) and the South (15 per cent).
The rural relief fund received a $110,000 boost from the state government but due to the high demand for assistance Ms Skirving said that amount would not cover all the support that is and will be required.
"We call upon all Tasmanians to help us to help those in most need," Ms Skirving said.
"With grants of up to $2500 per household available, our desire is to support as many farming families experiencing hardship due to extreme weather conditions as possible for what could be an indeterminate about of time."
■ If you would like to make a donation you can do so at any ANZ branch or via the Rural Relief Fund website at www.ruralbusinesstasmania.org.au/Rural-Relief. For more information call Rural Business Tasmania call 1300 088 3276.
