One-stop shops offering support for dairy farmers will be opened within weeks under a regional action plan.
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Great South Coast chair Colin Ryan said after a meeting with councils in Camperdown on Tuesday, the group would seek government support to set up the centres.
Cr Ryan said the centres would be similar to those set up during emergency events to provide easy access to government agencies such as Centrelink, social services and financial support.
“It’s a tough time for a lot of people in our community and we want to spread the message to those affected that you are not alone and there are people ready to sit down at your kitchen table to go over the options with you,” he said.
“It’s not just our farmers who are doing it tough – it’s the hundreds of other businesses who service the dairy industry that will feel the full weight of the current crisis.”
The Great South Coast councils have also called on processors to provide early guidance around the opening price for next season to give the industry the chance to plan for the next 12 months and beyond.
“It’s critical they provide some certainty to our farmers as the economic impact for our region is significant,” Cr Ryan said.
Cr Ryan said it was unclear how long the current crisis would continue, or what the longer-term impacts might be.
“We need to keep an eye to the longer-term to do whatever we can to ensure dairy continues to have a future in our region.”
He expressed concern for younger farmers who had just entered the industry or who were considering a future in farming.
“Not only are we very keen to make sure they have the right support to ride out these turbulent times, but we also want our future farmers see a road ahead and not become completely disheartened by what is happening in the industry today.”