Farmers in financial hardship or experiencing drought will be supported for longer after the federal government contributed $200,000 to extend Tasmania’s Rural Financial Counselling Service.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
This funding boost extends the service to 2020 and brings the total federal investment to $505,245.
Rural Business Tasmania runs the Rural Financial Counselling Service throughout the state, with acting executive officer Susan Renton welcoming the extension.
“Rural Financial Counsellors currently supports over 120 eligible farming enterprises throughout Tasmania, assisting farmers who are facing financial hardship and the extension allows us to continue to provide our service,” Ms Renton said.
“We offer a wide range of services that support the farming community build strong viable and resilient businesses. It is pleasing that the federal minister has recognised the importance of the service that we provide, and the extension allows us to focus on continuing to offer our financial support services.”
Counsellors help Tasmanian clients make business decisions and plans and improvements, such as prioritising payments to creditors, negotiating with lenders and setting long-term goals.
Federal Agriculture and Water Resources Minister David Littleproud said around two-thirds of the service’s said it helped improve their financial situation.
“The counsellors also provide vital information about other assistance, such as the government’s Farm Household Allowance and support to reach their client’s goals while on payment,” Mr Littleproud said.
“The FHA has helped over 7,900 recipients so far. Around 85 per cent of people coming off farm support said they are satisfied with the program, which indicates that it is doing well.”
For more information about the Rural Financial Counselling Service visit www.ruralbusinesstasmania.org.au/Financial-Counseling-Services/RFCS