Applications open for transport subsidies

7 Aug 2018

Just one week after the NSW Government announced its new $500 million NSW Emergency Drought Relief Package, the NSW Rural Assistance Authority (RAA) have started processing drought transport subsidy applications.

RAA Chief Executive Officer, John Newcombe said applications for drought transport subsidies opened yesterday morning and more than 100 applications have already been received.

“The NSW Government is offering a subsidy of up to $20,000 per eligible farm business per year, which equates up to $30,000 over 18 months from 1 January 2018 to 30 June 2019,” Mr Newcombe said.

“The subsidy is back-dated so farmers can apply it for freight expenses incurred since 1 January 2018.

“It covers 50% of the full cost of freight up to a maximum of $5 per kilometre and 1,500 kilometres per journey.

“We currently have more than 50 staff following the recruitment of 22 extra officers to assist with processing drought related applications, meaning we are resourced to process subsidies as soon as possible.

“We know farmers are under a lot of stress at the moment and we want to make it as easy as possible for them to apply, so anyone needing help should contact RAA on 1800 678 593 or the Rural Financial Counselling Service on 1800 686 175.

The new $500 million NSW Emergency Drought Relief Package, which takes the NSW Government’s total drought support to more than $1 billion, includes:

$190 million for Drought Transport Subsidies;
$110 million to cut the cost of farming by waiving fees and charges; and,
$150 million to bolster the Farm Innovation Fund (FIF) infrastructure program.
Counselling and mental health;
Critical services in regional communities including transporting water and drought related road upgrades and repairs; and,
Animal welfare and stock disposal.

For more information on the NSW Government’s emergency drought relief package visit www.droughthub.nsw.gov.au

Media contact: Jamie Jones (02) 6391 3686