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Better FHA Support For Farmers: New measures to improve the Farm Household Allowance (FHA) program are now in effect. These changes make the FHA payment simpler to access and improve the support available to farmers and their families.
Minister for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management David Littleproud said, changes to the FHA over the last year bring more certainty to farmers and their partners around the support they can access during difficult times. The initial FHA asset test was heavily criticised and has been simplified to a single threshold of $5.5 million. The confusing fluctuation in payments have also been simplified and automated.
Farmers and their partners will also now have access to a $10,000 Activity Supplement to get independent expert advice, undertake training, or gain new skills and qualifications, which is more than double the previous amount. Funds are not limited to opportunities in farming, any activity that can boost income will be considered.
Registration Fees Waived For Greyhound Owners: NSW Greyhound owners will have their registration fees waived for another 12 months, following a decision by the NSW Government. Nationals Upper House MP, Sam Farraway said the fee waivers will help Greyhound owners who have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The measures will deliver close to $340,000 worth of fee waivers and Sam said the measures will help greyhound owners across NSW during one of the hardest economic challenges of our lifetime. The fee waivers will apply for twelve-month registrations falling due on 1 July 2020.
A Simple Test: Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD), Health Protection Manager, Priscilla Stanley, has encouraged anyone having a test for COVID-19 to ask whether they are able to receive negative test results by text message. Those having a COVID-19 test in a public hospital or in the mobile service on Harold Street, Forbes this week are eligible to register to receive negative test results by text message. The helpful service has seen many people getting their negative results back within 24 hours.
In the last four weeks, there were around 6,400 tests performed across the Central West, with no positive cases identified. If you are unsure about getting tested, speak to your doctor or call the Western LHD’s Public Health helpline on 1300 066 055.
Drive-through COVID-19 testing in Forbes offers to text negative results.