FARMERS in the Northern Tablelands should not self-assess their eligibility for drought support funding, New England MP Barnaby Joyce says.
Speaking in Tamworth on Thursday, Mr Joyce said even though there had been good rain in many parts of the state, it did not mean there was now the cashflow to enable farmers and landholders to get their finances into shape.
“I am really happy that so much of the area is green and there are people who will be able to get a wheat crop in,” he said.
“But a wheat crop is not going to be harvested until near Christmas and the money for the grain won’t turn up until after Christmas.”
Mr Joyce said there were still significant areas of NSW and Queensland that were still without rain.
“It’s extremely important that we understand that people should not self-assess,” he said.
“They should not decide they are not eligible to get drought support money.
“They should make sure they speak to the the people we pay money to – the rural financial counsellors.
Mr Joyce applauded the announcement that Centacare New England North West would be one of 22 existing service providers delivering the Family Support Program and Targeted Community Care (Mental Health) program across drought-affected areas in NSW and Queensland.
“The funds will allow providers to go out to these communities, promote support services through community events and offer individual counselling,” he said.
RAIN IN THE TABLELANDS
Armidale
Total for 2014: 172.6mm
Total to this day 2013: 313.6mm
Average to this day: 301.7mm
Guyra
Total for 2014: 255.5mm
Total to this day 2013: 312.3mm
Average to this day: 346.8mm
Walcha
Total for 2014: 229mm
Total to this day 2013: 214.9mm
Average to this day: 267.6mm
