A new tool has been launched to connect farmers affected by biosecurity threats, drought and other natural disasters with government financial and mental health support.
The Farm Relief Tool is the work of the Regional Investment Corporation.
Corporation boss John Howard says the online directory came about after calls from primary producers for resources that are simple to use.
“Just like other useful tools farmers have in their shed, the Farm Relief Tool is a simple directory for farmers hit by drought, natural disasters and biosecurity events to quickly and easily find Australian government options available to support them," Mr Howard said.
“We’ve heard from the agriculture industry when farmers know where to find help they feel more confident, and they have a better outlook on their ability to recover."
Gary Goldberg, who heads up a rural financial counselling service in northern NSW, says farmers in his region have been pushed to the limits by natural disasters and biosecurity threats over the past five years.
"It's been life-changing for many of the farmers in our region," Mr Goldberg said.
"What we're finding is that people are saying to us 'I cannot do this any longer'.
"If I look back to August of 2017, there's been drought, bushfires, dramatic flooding, varroa mite has been very much in our region, and white spot disease for prawn producers."
He said anything that can help struggling farmers is a positive.
"The biggest problem that we face with our clients is them not knowing what is available, so anything like this will give them better knowledge of where to find resources to get help," Mr Goldberg said.
The Farm Relief Tool went online on Tuesday and will be available in person from next month through the Rural Financial Counselling Service.
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