Government sets up a freecall line to help farming communities

16/10/00
A free call number will be established during the next fortnight to help direct people affected by the adverse season to find appropriate support, Primary Industry Minister Monty House said today.
The service is a result of the first meeting of the Seasonal Committee, appointed by the Minister to help prioritise support to assist producers burdened by adverse seasonal conditions
Seasonal Committee chairman and Tammin farmer Eric Charlton said the hotline, called Seasonal Solutions, would be a contact point for productive information and assistance.
"By calling the Seasonal Solutions hotline, farmers, small businesses and others will be able to be instantly connected with the appropriate information, service or product that can help their situation," Mr Charlton said.
"A person with specialised skills will be assigned to the hotline and provide understanding and appreciation of the challenges being faced."
Mr Charlton said the Seasonal Solutions hotline would be a link to social, financial and agronomic information provided by existing service providers.
"This hotline will be the first point of contact for people to access a range of information that can assist their situation," he said.
"It is imperative that the people who will be affected by reduced incomes be pro-active in contacting their financial institution and machinery dealer finance company to develop a workable financial plan for the coming year.
"The hotline can provide additional support in this area too."
The Seasonal Solutions hotline number will be publicised widely, once it is operational.
Mr Charlton encouraged groups and individuals to have input on the committee by contacting him, the WA Farmers' Federation, or Pastoralists' and Graziers' Association.
The committee will meet again next week to progress other initiatives to provide targeted support to areas throughout the agricultural region.
Media contact:
Julie Cole 9481 2044
Contacts:
Mr Eric Charlton, chairman, Seasonal Advisory Committee 9457 4208
Mr Barry Court, President of the Pastoralists' and Graziers' Association 9479 4599
Colin Nicholl, President WA Farmers' Federation 9325 2933