{"id":3006,"date":"2019-06-11T18:22:45","date_gmt":"2019-06-11T18:22:45","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.16news.com.au\/?p=3006"},"modified":"2019-06-11T18:22:45","modified_gmt":"2019-06-11T18:22:45","slug":"nsw-budget-more-support-for-farmers-economic-stimulus-for-local-communities","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.16news.com.au\/index.php\/2019\/06\/11\/nsw-budget-more-support-for-farmers-economic-stimulus-for-local-communities\/","title":{"rendered":"NSW BUDGET: MORE SUPPORT FOR FARMERS, ECONOMIC STIMULUS FOR LOCAL COMMUNITIES"},"content":{"rendered":"

The NSW Government is continuing to support regional communities, businesses and workers experiencing the flow-on effects of the drought through a new regional economic stimulus package.
\nDuring a visit to Coolamon in the State\u2019s southwest today, Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced the upcoming State Budget would include $355 million to extend emergency drought support for farmers and funding to fast track investment in regional infrastructure.
\nThe funding brings the NSW Government\u2019s investment in drought support to more than $1.8 billion.
\nMs Berejiklian said the package will fund many critical town water projects as well as other shovel-ready infrastructure projects that will stimulate local economies.
\n\u201cThe impact of this drought has spread quickly off farm and is now being felt by businesses and households in towns and cities across regional NSW,\u201d Ms Berejiklian said.
\n\u201cWhen farmers can\u2019t contract tradies and other workers, there is a flow on effect felt throughout local businesses such as cafes and local stores. This funding package will support these rural communities in their time of need.\u201d
\nExamples of shovel ready projects that could be funded by the stimulus package include regional airport upgrades, activation of industrial lands and CBD revitalisation projects.
\nMs Berejiklian was joined in Coolamon by Deputy Premier John Barilaro, Treasurer Dominic Perrottet and Minister for Agriculture Adam Marshall.
\nMr Barilaro said the NSW Government was continuing to stand shoulder to shoulder with farmers and their communities battling the drought.
\n\u201cThe lack of rain on farm is having a devastating flow on effect in regional businesses,\u201d Mr Barilaro said.
\n\u201cEvery dollar spent by farmers at their local store helps keep someone employed in that business and a family in town. We recognise that in order to keep businesses open and jobs in town, the Government needs to fast track our investment in local infrastructure.\u201d
\nMr Perrottet said the package would boost water security for local communities and provide support for farmers and their local communities.
\n\u201cThe best drought package for regional NSW is rain, but until the skies open we will stand by communities that are doing it tough,\u201d Mr Perrottet said.
\n\u201cWe will always back our farmers and rural communities as they continue to deal with this terrible drought.\u201d
\nMr Marshall said the assistance would allow farmers to cut the cost of farming fees and charges, continue to use transport subsidies and would provide funding for emergency water carting.
\n\u201cOur farmers are doing it incredibly tough and that\u2019s why we\u2019re directing additional funds to help reduce cost of living pressures, drought-proof properties and transport stock and fodder,\u201d Mr Marshall said.
\n\u201cWhile what is needed most is simply more rainfall I\u2019m confident this package will help alleviate the burden associated with one of the worst droughts in living memory.\u201d
\nUnder today\u2019s announcement, $170 million has been reserved for a special purpose Drought Infrastructure Package, including:<\/p>\n