Gippsland › Latest news › Peter Walsh MP

No Action from Labor Leaves Victorian Farmers at A Disadvantage

As transport subsidies for drought-affected farmers in New South Wales starts, access to fodder supplies could get tighter for Victorian farmers.

By Portal Admin - 7th July 2019 - Back to News

Victorian farmers fear dwindling access to fodder supplies could get tighter from Monday when further transport subsidies for drought-affected farmers in New South Wales kick in.

From July 1, farm businesses in NSW will be able to access a further $40,000 to assist with the cost of transporting stock, fodder and water within NSW or from interstate.

Shadow Minister for Agriculture Peter Walsh said the Andrews Labor Government needed to urgently act to protect Victorian farmers.

"NSW’s subsidy covers half the cost of freight – up to $5 per kilometre – and this leaves Victorian farmers, who are also under serious financial pressure from drought, at a significant disadvantage," Mr Walsh said.

"There’s strong demand for fodder right now and prices are at a premium, and Labor’s Agriculture Minister Jaclyn Symes needs step up to ensure Victorian farmers have fair access to feed.

"Farmers are getting very anxious and the Andrews Labor Government needs to act fast.

"If the Minister can’t stop NSW putting our farmers at a disadvantage she’ll have to match the subsidy to support Victorian farmers."

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: support@gippsland.com