FARMERS along Goolhi Road have received much needed help from one of Australia’s most active drought assistance organisations, Aussie Helpers.
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Four trucks carrying much-needed fodder began arriving in Goolhi on Wednesday evening, providing welcome drought assistance to seven farmers.
Goolhi farmer Laura Jones told Fairfax Media the feed was a “God-send”.
“We are really struggling at the moment and words can’t express how grateful we are for this kind of support,” Mrs Jones said.
“All of our feed options are almost completely gone, so for something like this to come along and help keep us going is really something special.”
Aussie Helpers volunteer truck driver, Craig Porter, said the rice straw had come from the Griffith area.
“I am based in Townsville, and drive for Aussie Helpers two or three weeks a month,” Mr Porter said.
“So far I have been doing this for a couple of years and this area is among the worst I’ve encountered.
“I’m just glad there are people like Aussie Helpers founder Bryan Egan who are out there doing whatever they can to help.”
Mrs Jones said sourcing feed locally was becoming more and more difficult.
“Most places you go to to buy feed have a waiting list,” she said.
“As well as that, it is becoming so bloody expensive.
“The prices of some stuff, like feed oats, have become just ridiculous.”
Mr Porter said he would like to see the state and federal government do more to help drought stricken farmers.
“I think the government could be making it easier for everyone that’s for sure,” he said.
“Wherever you go you hear of people calling for incentives, not hand-outs.
“To me, the best incentive they could put in place would be freight subsidies.
“By doing that I think most farmers and transporters could manage the high cost of getting through this widespread drought a lot better.”
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Mrs Jones said it was comforting to know someone like Bryan Egan was standing up for farmers.
“He really is a wonderful man,” she said.
“The government may not be listening to us but Bryan certainly is, and he is always willing to help, listen and fight on our behalf.
“We honestly can’t thank him enough for everything he has done for us, from this fodder to the household supplies he brought us recently; he and the whole organisation are angels on wheels.
“My hope is the generosity of people continues and they continue to donate to Aussie Helpers to help struggling farmers everywhere.”
To donate, visit www.aussiehelpers.org.au
Billy Jupp
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
