Earlier this year, Federal Member for Wright Scott Buchholz secured access to the Drought Communities Support Initiative (DCSI) cash support scheme for farmers and is calling on producers to apply and access $3,000 in payments.
The DCSI is available to primary producers in the Scenic Rim and is being distributed by the Salvation Army.
“We know many of our farmers are still doing it tough. While late last year and earlier this year, we saw a shift in the spotlight as a result of fires and now the coronavirus pandemic, the Morrison Government has not forgot about our primary producers.
“Despite rains earlier in the year, which saw our beautiful Fassifern glowing green – there’s been no sustained follow up rain.
“Our farmers are still feeling the enormous weight of the drought. They are carrying that burden in their overdraft accounts.
“By providing access to the $3,000 cash payments, we’re wanting to relieve some of those household pressures. To put food on the table, pay some bills and provide some wriggle room,” Mr Buchholz said.
Captain Wes Bust, of the Salvation Army, said it was critical farmers take advantage of the scheme and access the funds.
“Over the last two years, we’ve been providing more support to our farmers and farming families than ever before.
“This drought has taken a toll on them, many are struggling and that’s why it is so important to access the funds Government has made available.
“There is absolutely no shame in seeking or accepting the support of your fellow Australians and the Salvation Army is here to help. I encourage any local producer or person that is eligible, to get in touch with us and we’ll support you through the process,” Captain Bust said.
Mr Buchholz said it had been a tough few year’s for those on the land and in addition to previous measures, the cash payments were to help ease the pressure.
“Our farmers here in the Fassifern have had flood, devastating storms and recently bushfire’s to contend with on top of the drought. We’ve taken the additional step to help local farmers to get through this tough period, apply today,” Mr Buchholz said.
On 28 January 2020, the Australian Government announced that it would provide funding under the DCP Extension to a further 52 councils experiencing hardship due to the drought. The Scenic Rim Regional Council was included as a result of lobbying by Mr Buchholz, which also saw Council receive $1 million in direct funding.
Mr Buchholz said funding was just a few clicks away and could be accessed by visiting the Salvation Army website at salvationarmy.org.au or by calling the team at the Fassifern Salvation Army on (07) 54632932.
Ends.
Media Contact:
Scott Buchholz MP – Scott O’Connell –
The Salvation Army (Fassifern Valley) West Bust – (07) 54632932
BACKGROUND:
The Salvation Army is delivering assistance through the Australian Governments Drought Community Support Initiative (DCSI – Round 2). The second round of this assistance commenced on 21 November 2019.
If you are a farmer, farmworker, farm supplier or farm contractor who is doing it tough due to the drought you may be eligible for a one-off payment of up to $3,000.
To be eligible, you need to be:
- Over the age of 18 years
- Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident
- Live and / or work in the Scenic Rim Regional Council LGA
- Have not already received this payment from The Salvation Army or St Vincent de Paul since 21 November 2019
The maximum amount a household can receive is $3,000. If more than one eligible household members reside in the same residence, the total assistance provided to the household cannot exceed $3,000.
You can apply for the drought assistance online at www.salvationarmy.org.au/drought (preferred method) or by calling the 24/7 Telephone Assistance Line on 1300 551 030. If your preferred method is to call the Telephone Assistance Line, please only use this line to make a new application, and please leave a voice message with all the information requested.
The Salvation Army has distributed over $26million of this funding to 0ver 9,000 drought-affected households since 21 November 2019, and as at 25 March 2020 were distributing over $1.2million every three days. As you would appreciate, demand for this assistance has been high.
The Salvation Army will call you to complete your assessment as soon as they can. Please do not make a second application if you have already applied as they will get to you.
The payment is not considered taxable income. If you had assistance in DCSI (Round 1) which concluded on 30 June 2019, you are eligible to apply for assistance for DCSI (Round2).
