Southern Queensland farmers encouraged to seek support as Rural Aid continues assisting drought-affected communities
For several months Rural Aid has been assisting farming families across northern New South Wales and southern Queensland as drought conditions have continued to impact communities. Following the Queensland Government’s drought declaration for Balonne, Goondiwindi, Southern Downs and the southern part of Maranoa, Rural Aid is encouraging affected farmers to reach out, with practical assistance available.
For many farming families, drought impacts more than what is happening in the paddock. It can place pressure on livestock, water supplies, finances, decision-making and the wellbeing of entire households.
Eligible farming families can access a range of assistance, including hay deliveries, water assistance, financial assistance and mental health and wellbeing support.
Rural Aid CEO John Warlters said farmers should know help is available during difficult seasons.
“Farmers across southern Queensland are facing challenging conditions, and we want them to know Rural Aid is here to help,” Mr Warlters said.
“Drought impacts every part of farming life, from what happens in the paddock through to the pressures faced at home, and no farmer should feel they have to face those challenges alone.
“From helping farmers access essential resources like hay and water through to financial assistance and mental health and wellbeing support, our team understands life on the land and is ready to work alongside farming families when they need us most.”
Dalveen farmer Tanya Bertram knows the pressure dry conditions can place on farming families. Tanya and her family run a 250-acre mixed farming property south of Warwick, raising cattle, sheep and miniature goats.
Tanya has seen firsthand how prolonged dry conditions can affect farm operations, from managing livestock through to making difficult decisions about feed and water.
“When we don’t have the water in the creek, we have trouble putting the stock out here because when the dams are empty and the creek’s empty, we’ve got no water for them readily available,” Tanya said.
Through Rural Aid, Tanya received hay assistance and financial help during a period when feed availability and household costs were placing increasing pressure on the family.
“We received four round bales and decided to use them for the cows with calves, which gave us about a month of feed,” Tanya said.
“Without that hay, it probably would have meant more sleepless nights thinking about how I needed to keep working five days a week to continue putting money into feed.”
Tanya said the financial assistance provided valuable breathing space for the household during a difficult period.
“The financial assistance meant I could buy groceries without having to worry about all the extra things. It was an absolute blessing.”
Tanya said accessing assistance through Rural Aid was straightforward and encouraged other farmers who may be hesitant to reach out.
“Rural Aid is there to support you, whether it’s with hay drops, water, financial assistance or mental health and wellbeing support. There is no judgement,” she said.
Rural Aid provides assistance for farmers at no cost, including:
- Hay to help meet livestock feed needs during dry conditions
- Water and water tank deliveries for households experiencing shortages
- Financial assistance to help with essential expenses
- Mental health and wellbeing support for farmers and their families
- On-ground assistance through the Farm Army and Farm Recovery Event programs, helping farming families with clean-up, recovery and rebuilding
Mr Warlters said seeking assistance early could help ease pressure for farming families.
“Reaching out for assistance is not a sign of weakness. It is about making sure farmers and their families have the help they need during challenging times,” he said.
“Our team understands life on the land and is here to listen, provide practical support and help farmers access the assistance they need.”
Assistance is available now for farmers. Call 1300 327 624 or visit www.ruralaid.org.au. We’re here to help.
About Rural Aid:
Rural Aid is Australia’s leading charity supporting farmers, their families and rural communities. Rural Aid delivers practical assistance during drought, fire, flood and other disasters, helping farming families stay on the land and protect their livelihoods. Through disaster relief, mental health support and community development programs, Rural Aid works with partners, supporters and volunteers to strengthen rural communities and ensure farmers have the support they need to recover, rebuild and remain connected.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Daniel Brown
Media and Communications Officer
0447 116 757
daniel.brown@ruralaid.org.au