Central West and Riverina students planning to start university this year are being encouraged to lodge their claim for Youth Allowance or Austudy now to beat the queue.

Youth Allowance provides financial assistance for eligible young people who pursue further study or an apprenticeship after leaving school and Austudy provides assistance to students and apprentices aged 25 or older.

Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack said by applying now students could stress less. “They need to be able to focus on the classes ahead, not worry about their finances,” Mr McCormack said. “Thousands of students apply, and you don’t want to be waiting for your first payment when you are several lessons in.”

Minister for Government Services Stuart Robert encouraged students to apply to avoid the last-minute rush at the start of the new semester. “Eligibility for additional support will also be assessed. For example, students who move away from home to study may get the increased away from home rate of Youth Allowance.”

Students are among the first to benefit from the large-scale business transformation under way to modernise the delivery of government payments and services.

The Drought Resilience Funding Plan has been tabled in Parliament outlining how the proceeds of the Future Drought Fund should be spent. Minister for Drought, David Littleproud, said the plan directs drought funding to be used in ways that will build drought resilience and preparedness while enhancing farm production and profits. The funding plan aims to provide a more consistent approach to drought funding that is both straight forward and easy to understand.

“This will make sure the Future Drought Fund gets the best bang for buck,” Minister Littleproud said. “The plan sets out how we should strengthen long-term drought resilience in rural communities.”

Utilising information gathered from extensive talks and meetings with 690 members of the public, the plan was constructed with the advice of the independence Future Drought Fund Consultative Committee.

Chair of the Future Drought Fund Consultative Committee, Brent Finlay, said the Plan is a framework for considering appropriate drought resilience projects and activities, stating that, “During our six weeks on the road, the Committee heard from many farmers, regional natural resource managers, researchers, industry groups, banks and charities at many locations around the country.” Brent went on to explain that each region has its own stories, challenges and ideas about how this plan might be able to guide the development of certain programs to lift agricultural productivity while building drought resilience.

The Future Drought Fund began at $3.9 billion with earnings to be reinvested until the balance reaches $5 billion. It will provide $100 million every year from July 2020 for new investment in drought resilience and preparedness

The NSW Business Chamber’s December Business Conditions Survey confirms business confidence has taken a hit due to the combined impact of bushfires, drought and weak household demand.

“Business confidence is down right across the State,” said Western NSW Business Chamber Regional Manager Vicki Seccombe. “Our survey underscores the impact of broader economic challenges such as drought and weak consumer spending which were hurting businesses even before the bushfires.”

Vicki Seccombe went on to say that “the Far West and Orana results are very much in negative territory and the Central West is slightly better but still in the same negative territory.” She continued, “the results are particularly disappointing because the latter part of the year normally offers a welcome boost to business trade.”

The data shows that a large proportion of the most recent personal income tax cuts are not being spent. Dismal revenues are indicative of weak household spending and while the bulk of the labour market is yet to suffer to effects of the decrease in revenue, there are still a number of businesses reporting that they have had to shed staff, a number that is set to increase.

It is imperative that Forbes residents continue to support local businesses as they provide both economic growth and employment. Forbes itself has been a great example of resilience and generosity in supporting local businesses, and vice versa, with many businesses also giving back to the community.

With many grassroots initiatives being started in recent times like Buyfromthebush, Stayinthebush and #stuffthedrought movements, which encourage Australians everywhere to visit and spend in rural communities, it is comforting to know that we are not forgotten. Vicki Seccome stated that “we look forward to further initiatives to help economic recovery and business confidence in affected regions.”

The recent media commentary has concentrated solely on the devastating fires our state has experienced. Drought affected farmers do not want the Government to forget about the relentless drought they are still experiencing.

“The Federal Government has promised a significantly relaxed criteria for farmers to access $75,000 of Commonwealth grants for those in fire-affected areas,” says Forbes Shire Mayor, Phyllis Miller, “This is very generous but the feeling here in drought affected NSW is ‘What about us?’”

Prime Minister Scott Morrison visited Orange last month to announce a “measly amount” of assistance to farmers. Mayor Miller confronted him on the realities of the drought, suggesting the federal government step in by giving farmers relief in the form of rate assistance in drought affected communities. Unfortunately, this suggestion by the Mayor of Forbes seemed to fall on deaf ears, with the Prime Minister palming the political football off to the state, saying that it is the responsibility of the state to provide such assistance.

“We want our Prime Minister to lead by example and give direction to the state, especially concerning the drought. The current drought conditions will affect our whole country for many years to come, he has to understand this.”

Mayor Miller congratulated Deputy Premier John Barilaro for his continued support. “The transport cost rebates and waiving of Local Land Services rates has been a huge relief for farmers.” Adding that “Mr Morrison must understand this drought is affecting our whole community, farmers and businesses alike. Fire and drought are both natural disasters and we need national solutions to both.”

The coalition has promised $2 billion for bushfire recovery, with the understanding more may be given to rebuild community infrastructure. It is reassuring to see the federal government give their support to disaster ravaged communities and hopefully it will extend to supporting communities devastated by drought.

Nominations are now open for the 2020 Forbes Shire Youth Week Awards. This year NSW Youth Week will be held from 1st – 9th April, with the awards ceremony on Saturday, 4th April. The Youth Awards are for people aged 12 to 25-years-old who can be nominated for the following categories:

Youth Citizenship Award: For a young person who has had an active and positive role in our community. Contributions can include ongoing volunteer work or taking a lead role in organising events including charity work.

Sports Volunteer Award: For any young person who volunteers or contributes to Forbes’ sport and recreation. The young person may assist with refereeing, coaching, setting and packing up, mentoring and canteen duties.

Brighter Future Award: For apprentices, trainees or students who demonstrate strong commitment, consistent effort, a high level of passion and determination for their chosen field/career path.

Nominations will close at 5pm on Friday 20th March 2020. Nomination forms are available on Council’s website or you can collect a form from Youth Officer Sarah Williams at Council’s Administration Office.