Further relief for our farmers as Council approves additional drought assistance

In line with Council’s ongoing commitment to assisting and advocating for the local community, last night Councillors unanimously agreed to provide additional drought assistance to our region’s farmers.

With Council already playing a major role in the highly successful and visible ‘R U Aware We Care’ campaign one of the major decisions of the night was to donate money from the water fund to the campaign so that The Salvation Army can provide it to farmers as the need arises.

As Councillor Phil Betts explains, “we are hearing that one of the greatest needs for our farmers is accessing cash, so adopting this option was seen as the best way to maximise the income from the water fund with minimal Council administration.”

Under this initiative donations of the income from the Water Refill Station will start from the end of August and could be as much as $15,000 per month.

In addition, Councillors supported the proposal to make bulk water available through hydrant metered standpipes in Tamworth and towns and villages at no cost.

“Providing access to free water through standpipes is a small but effective way we can support farmers during this extraordinary drought,” said Councillor Betts.

The standpipes will be available during working hours Monday to Friday and will be operational within a matter of weeks.

Similarly, Council approved waiving the costs associated with disposal of bulker bags or bags used for transport of stock feed as well as waiving the costs associated with accepting bale wrapping at Council’s waste facilities.  

“We hope that these measures will help alleviate some of the pressures our farmers are currently facing,” said Councillor Betts.  

Further information on the implementation of these initiatives will be made available in the coming weeks via www.ruawarewecare.com.au or visit Council website www.tamworth.nsw.gov.au