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Council offers support to dairy farmers through tough times

The Latrobe City Council's assistance to local dairy farmers through tough times regarding the impact of milk price reduction.

By news@gippsland - 6th September 2016 - Back to News

As the impact from the milk price reduction continues to hit home, Latrobe City Council is working with the State Government and local services to support the roll out of a range of measures to assist local dairy farmers.

Latrobe City Council’s mayor, Councillor Michael Rossiter, said that the downturn in the agricultural sector was an area of concern for the local community.

"Over recent months Council has had meaningful discussions with local dairy families and industry representatives to identify how we can best support them.

"When milk prices are below the cost of production it presents significant challenges and pressures for our farming community.

"With rate notices out this week, we would urge those farmers who think they may have difficulty in paying to contact our rates team to discuss payment plan options. By acting now and having the conversation early it can minimise unnecessary stress for people," Cr Rossiter said.

Council will continue to monitor the situation of our local dairy farmers and seek ongoing support from the state and federal governments as necessary.

"We are working with our smaller communities in the higher impacted areas to identify what they need. It could be a social event to get people together and talking and sharing, or it may be accessing financial services advice or even something as simple as a food hamper.

Council is also working to better understand the impact on local businesses, on farm workers and their families too. Some of these impacts are well beyond the farm gate and affect a lot of people across our communities.

"I would urge farmers or affected people to please contact on 1300 367 700. We are here to offer support, referral and advice to help link people into services in a timely way," Cr Rossiter concluded.

For general enquiries, contact Latrobe City Council on 1300 367 700.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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