$115m agriculture-focused bushfire relief package announced

The Federal Government has announced an agriculture-focused package out of its $2 billion National Bushfire Recovery Fund, but the NFF warn it will not be a quick fix.

CASH payments will give farmers breathing space as they recover from the fires, but industry has warned there will be no quick fixes to the crisis.

The Federal Government yesterday announced an agriculture-focused package out of its $2 billion National Bushfire Recovery Fund, on top of millions in disaster relief payments already rolling out.

Bushfire-affected farmers will be eligible for grants up to $75,000 to assist with carcass disposal, refencing, equipment and infrastructure replacement.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said $100 million would be available at a minimum for the demand-driven program.

“If more is needed … then more will simply be paid without the need for any further decision,” Mr Morrison said.

A further $15 million will be allocated to hire an extra 60 rural financial counsellors.

Representatives from the sectors most affected by the fires — including dairy, horticulture and wine — will also meet with Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Agriculture Minister Bridget McKenzie in Canberra tomorrow to discuss the next steps.

Ms McKenzie the package was “the first step on what’s going to be a long journey”.

“Our farmers want to get back to growing food and we need them to get back growing food – we’re with them all the way,” she said.

National Farmers’ Federation president Fiona Simson said cash grants would be needed to take the immediate pressure off farmers, as well as assistance with rebuilding infrastructure.

However, Ms Simson said there must be a long-term plan for recovery.

“We need to take some time to plan and allow input into what farms and our communities will look like in the future,” she said.

Australian Grape and Wine Incorporated chief executive Tony Battaglene said a co-­ordinated regional tourism campaign was needed to bring people back to both untouched and fire-affected regions as soon as possible.

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The Federal Government has so far provided $42 million to fire-affected local councils, $76 million for extended mental health support, and $50 million for wildlife recovery.

Another $40 million has been paid out in disaster relief payments to more than 30,000 people.

The Australian Council of Social Service has said these payments are “inadequate” and should be increased from $1000 to $3000 per adult, and from $400 to $1000 per child.

Meanwhile, support is growing among the agriculture community for a royal commission into the bushfire crisis.

The National Farmers’ Federation, Australian Grape and Wine Incorporated, and Australian Forestry Products Association have all backed calls for a wide-sweeping review.