Funds for farmers in need

FEBRUARY 26, 2015: I WOULD like to remind farmers in the region who might be doing it tough that there are government assistance options available for those who meet the criteria.Though most of the assistance you hear about is for those in drought-affected areas, any primary producer can apply for Farm Finance Concessional Loans, and/or Farm Household Assistance.The Liberal National Government has boosted funding provided through Farm Finance Concessional Loans, and up to $1 million is available for eligible farm businesses to restructure existing farm business debt. The loans are for terms of up to five years, and the variable concessional interest rate was reduced to 4.34 per cent from February 1. Applications for these loans close on April 30.Loans are administered through the State Government QRAA office and you can find out more by contacting representative Peter Crowley on 4967 0728 or Freecall 1800 623 946.Another option for those on the land who may be struggling is the Farm Household Allowance.This is administered by the Department of Human Services, and eligible applicants can access up to three years of payments at the same level as the Newstart Allowance (in the vicinity of $465 to $557 per fortnight).It’s assessed per individual, and is income and assets tested. You can find out more by calling the Farmer Assistance Hotline on 132 316 (Monday to Friday, 8 am to 8 pm local time), or go to www.humanservices.gov.au and search farm-household-allowance.When considering any form of assistance, it’s important not to self-assess your eligibility. Contact the experts on the numbers provided and get the full story.