Relief fund could be for any emergencies, not just drought

A report to Tuesday's Goulburn Mulwaree Council Meeting said based on the number and extent of requests for assistance to date, it appears unlikely that the fund will be expended for the purpose it was established.

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In August 2018, the council resolved to allocate $10,000 from the Financial Assistance Grant provision towards providing groceries and other essential family support services for farmers and their families, who are suffering from the effects of the current drought.

Goulburn Mulwaree Mayor Bob Kirk contacted the mayors of Yass Valley and Upper Lachlan Shire to determine a regional wide fund that can assist farmers, but those councils did not show any interest, so Goulburn Mulwaree went it alone.

The council invited other community groups or individuals to contribute to the fund and received $30,474.90 in cash and vouchers. The current balance is $38,174.90.

The council has also distributed 795 large round bales of hay to farmers, with the assistance of the Rapid Relief Team.

"These funds will be used for any future emergency/disaster relief within the Goulburn Mulwaree local government area, including drought, to be administered by the Mayor, Deputy Mayor and General Manager as is currently the case," the report said.

The recommendation includes a requirement that any event that is of disastrous by nature to our community must be determined by resolution of the council, as well as a requirement that any event that is of disastrous by nature to our community must be determined by a resolution of the council.

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