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Rural Financial Counselling Service Southern Queensland (RFCS-SQ) provides free, impartial, confidential and responsive rural financial counselling services across Southern Queensland.
The RFCS Programme in Queensland is funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments.
NEWS
CORONAVIRUS
ECONOMIC STIMULUS WITH
SMALL BUSINESS AND RURAL BENEFITS


In response to the threat of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), the Federal Government has made a number of announcements in relation to a stimulus package designed to support the Australian economy.



March 11 - $2.4 billion health package
INCLUDES Primary Care, Aged Care, Hospitals, Research, the ongoing response and Communication
Click here to read the press release

March 12 - $17.6 billion economic plan
INCLUDES Supporting business investment, Cash flow assistance for businesses, stimulus payment and assistance for severely-affected regions.
Click here to read the press release

March 22 - $189 billion second stage of economic plan
INCLUDES Support for workers and households, Superannuation changes, Social security changes, Boosting cash flow for employers, protection and financial support for businesses, providing temporary relief for financially distressed businesses, supporting the aviation industry.
Click here to read the press release



What does all this mean for you as a primary producer or small business owner?
There are quite a few parts to the announcements so we've concentrated on aspects that are particularly relevant to you as a primary producer or small business owner.


SUPPORTING BUSINESS INVESTMENT
An instant asset write off threshold increase from $30,000 to $150,000 for businesses with an aggregated annual turnover of $10 million or more but less than $500 million until 30 June 2020.
For more information click here.

Businesses with a turnover of less than $500 million will be able to deduct an additional 50% of an asset cost in the year of the purchase through to 30 June 2021.
For more information click here.


PROVIDING CASH FLOW ASSISTANCE FOR BUSINESSES
Employers will receive a payment equal to 100% of their salary and wages withheld.
A minimum $10,000 tax free payment for businesses with a turnover of less than $50 million that employs staff between January 1, 2020 and June 30, 2020. (Maximum tax free payment of $50,000)
The payment is tax free and will happen automatically through the Australian Tax Office.
For more information click here.

An additional payment is also being made from July 28, 2020.
Eligible entities will receive an additional payment equal to the total of all of the Boosting Cash Flow for employers payments received.
Not-for-profit entities will also be eligible.
For more information click here.

Eligible employers can apply for a wage subsidy of 50% of their apprentice's or trainee's wage for up to 9 months from January 1, 2020 to September 30, 2020.
For more information click here.

If you employ a casual employee and they can’t work because they become sick or need to self-isolate, or their income has been otherwise impacted by the economic downturn caused by the Coronavirus, they may be eligible for income support payments.
The Government is making these payments quicker to access by waiving the usual waiting period in certain circumstances.
For more information click here.


SUPPORTING THE MOST SEVERELY AFFECTED SECTORS, REGIONS AND COMMUNITIES
Assistance to help businesses identify alternative export markets or supply chains.
A waiver of fees and charges for tourism businesses that operate in the Great Barrier Reef Marine park and Commonwealth National Parks.
Administrative relief for some tax obligations including deferring tax payments for up to four months on a case-by-case basis.
For more information click here.


HOUSEHOLD STIMULUS PACKAGES
$750 tax free stimulus payments to pensioners, social security recipients, veterans and other income support recipients and eligible concession card holders. Payments will be from 31 March 2020 on a progressive basis to people who will have been on one of the eligible payments any time between March 12, 2020 and April 13, 2020, with over 90 per cent of payments expected to be made by mid-April.
For more information click here.

In addition, a further $750 payment to social security and veteran income support recipients and eligible concession card holders, except for those who are receiving an income support payment that is eligible to receive the Coronavirus supplement.
This payment will be made automatically from July 13, 2020.
For more information click here.


CORONAVIRUS BUSINESS GUARANTEE SCHEME
The Coronavirus SME Guarantee Scheme will support small and medium enterprises (SME's) to get access to working capital by guaranteeing 50% of new loans issued by eligible lenders to SME's.
For more information click here.


SUPERANNUATION
Individuals in financial stress as a result of the Coronavirus will be allowed to access up to $10,000 of their superannuation in 2019-2020 and a further $10,000 in 2020-21.

Tax will not be payable on amounts released and the money withdrawn will not affect Centrelink or Veteran's Affairs payments.

Government is temporarily reducing superannuation minimum draw down requirements for account based pensions and similar products by 50% for 2019-20 and 2020-21.

For more information click here.


CORONAVIRUS SUPPLEMENT AND EXPANDED INCOME SUPPORT ELIGIBILITY
Coronavirus Supplement
Establishing a new, time-limited Coronavirus supplement to be paid at a rate of $550 per fortnight for at least 6 months. This will be paid on top of normal payments to both existing and new recipients of the Job Seeker payment, Youth Allowance Job Seeker, Parenting payment, Farm Household Allowance and Special Benefit.
There is no application, the payment will be made automatically.
For more information click here.

What does this mean for current or new Farm Household Allowance recipients?
Around 80% of FHA recipients are partnered.
This supplement will more than double the amount you can receive.
If your income is below the current threshold, you will receive the whole $550 COVID-19 supplement.
This means a partnered person will be able to earn just over $990 in a fortnight while the COVID-19 supplement remains in place, and also receive your Farm Household Allowance payment.
This amount increases if the farm business is running at a loss.
Since December 19, 2019, up to $100,000 of a current loss experienced by a farm business (ie. not carried forward losses) can be used to offset off-farm income.
The asset test remains the same until June 11, 2020 when it will change to a single amount of $5.5 million with no distinction between types of assets.
The accumulated effect of these changes mean many FHA recipients will have better circumstances to take advantage of social security support to help them while they bring their business onto a sound financial footing, or decide to leave farming, then ever before.

Expanded Income Support Eligibility
Temporarily expanded eligibility to income support payments.
For non-FHA farmers, small businesses, contractors and wild-catch fishers, you may now meet the income test for JobSeeker payments.
The government will waive the assets test and waiting periods for the payments.
The exemption from the assets test means that a range of farmers could test their eligibility for JobSeeker payments including:
  • FHA recipients who have already exhausted their first four years of payment
  • FHA applicants who have previously been rejected based on the value of their assets
  • Farmers who have self-assessed and not lodged an application


TAX
Administrative relief for certain tax obligations, including deferring tax payments up to four months (case by case basis)
A new Medicare service for all Australians to receive bulk billed health consultations via the phone or online video service. 

Other components of the Coronavirus response include:
  • Fast tracked roll out of electronic prescribing across Australia
  • Expanded national triage phone line
  • 100 dedicated respiratory clinics
  • Additional mobile respiratory clinics and increased visitor screening in remote areas
  • Establish dedicated Medicare funded and bulk billed pathology tests for COVID-19
  • Funding for education and training of aged care workers in infection control
  • Additional aged care staff available for deployment
  • Improved infection control funding
  • Financial support of state and territory governments in diagnosing and treating COVID-19 patients
  • Funding for vaccine, anti-viral and respiratory medicine research
  • Funding for face masks, surgical gowns, goggles and hand sanitiser for health professionals
  • Funding to purchase antibiotics and antivirals for the National Medical Stockpile
  • Infection control training and programs for health and aged care workers
  • A new National communications campaign to provide practical advice to contain the virus and stay healthy
     
To view the National Health Plan - click here
If you have questions about your health - click here
You can also call the Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080. (The line operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.)
 
NO LOAN REPAYMENTS FOR
SMALL BUSINESS FOR 6 MONTHS

Australian banks will defer loan repayments for small businesses affected by
COVID-19 for six months.
For more information click here.

QUEENSLAND GOVERNMENT CORONAVIRUS SUPPORT
MARKET DIVERSIFICATION AND RESILIENCE GRANTS

The Queensland Government is providing assistance for businesses impacted by the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak through the Market Diversification and Resilience Grants (MDRG) program.

The MDRG program will benefit Queensland agriculture, food and fishing exporters and their critical supply chain partners, as well as industry organisations working with exporters to build resilience by diversifying into new markets (international or interstate).

The program has 2 components:
  • equipment purchases
  • and projects
Equipment purchases
Equipment purchase grants of up to $7,500 (excluding GST) are available to support new equipment purchases up to a maximum cost of $10,000 (excluding GST).
Applicants must contribute 25% of the total cost of the new equipment.
The MDRG program will provide the remaining 75% of total costs.
For example, if the total equipment cost is $10,000 (excluding GST), the applicant will pay $2,500 and the MDRG program will pay $7,500 (excluding GST).
Examples of eligible equipment purchases include, but are not limited to:
  • freezers
  • refrigerators
  • vacuum packaging machines
  • storage equipment
  • machines
Download the equipment purchase grant application form.

Important dates
Applications for equipment purchase grants will be assessed on an ongoing basis from Thursday 12 March.
Successful applicants will be notified as soon as possible.


Projects
Project grants of up to $50,000 (excluding GST) will be available to support project activities including, but not limited to:
  • market evaluation studies
  • market visits
  • staff training
  • new equipment such as refrigeration
  • boat modifications necessary to meet market requirements
Applicants must co-invest 50% of the total cost of their project activities or equipment purchases and should provide evidence of their contributions both in-kind (e.g. reasonable salary costs for key personnel, freight costs) and cash.
Cash contributions must be at least 25% of total project costs.

Read the project grant terms and conditions and guidelines.
Download the project grant application form.

Important dates
Applications for project grants open Thursday 12 March and close Monday 20 April.
Successful applicants will be notified by Friday 1 May.


ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
To be eligible for funding, your organisation must, at the time of submitting your application, be one of the following:
  • a Queensland-based agriculture, food or fishing exporter
  • a Queensland-based critical supply chain partner (e.g. fishing business, producer, grower, grower collective, wholesaler) to a Queensland-based agriculture, food or fishing exporter
  • a not-for profit industry organisation working with Queensland-based agriculture, food and fishing exporters.

Your organisation must also be:
  • a small to medium sized business employing less than 200 full time equivalent employees
  • registered and operating in Queensland, have an ABN and be registered for GST
  • trading viably for at least the past 2 years.
Note: Applicants can only apply for 1 grant under the MDRG program.

APPLYING FOR THE GRANTS
Submit your completed application, including all supporting documents, to:
Post: MDRG Program Team
Department of Agriculture and Fisheries
GPO Box 46
BRISBANE  QLD  4001
Email: MDRG@daf.qld.gov.au
Fax: (07) 3239 3454

Contact the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries on 13 25 23 for more information or click here.

CORONAVIRUS BUSINESS SUPPORT


Click here to watch a video about Small Business support from Government.

QUEENSLAND COVID-19 JOBS SUPPORT LOANS
As a business owner, you may be eligible for a low interest loan to retain employees and maintain your operations.

The $500 million concessional loan facility will include low interest loans of up to $250,000 for carry on finance with an initial 12-month interest free period for businesses to retain staff.

Register your interest through the
Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority or contact 1800 623 946.


MENTORING SESSIONS
The Mentoring for Growth program currently has more than 50 mentors ready to connect with impacted small businesses.
Mentors are available to provide tailored support including financial mentoring and business planning.
Register your interest here.
Contact 1300 654 687 or email: m4g@desbt.qld.gov.au for more information.


FINANCIAL WORKSHOPS
Small businesses can access a series of workshops to learn about financial management and business planning.
Delivered by TAFE Queensland, workshops will provide you with practical tools and skills to build business resilience. You will also have an opportunity to connect and network with other small businesses facing similar issues.
Workshops will be delivered in several locations to support a place-based approach for the local small business community.
Register now for workshops online or in your region.
For other locations, register your interest by contacting 1300 654 687 or email: info@desbt.qld.gov.au.


INDUSTRY SUPPORT
Market diversification and resilience grants are available for Queensland agriculture, food and fishing exporters and their critical supply chain partners, as well as industry organisations working with exporters.
Click here for more information.


PAYROLL TAX RELIEF PACKAGE
If your business has been affected by the Coronavirus (COVID-19), you can defer lodging and paying payroll tax returns until 31 July 2020.
Read more here.

 
2020 BANKING CODE
March 1 marked the official implementation date of a new Banking Code of Practice, when the changes recommended by Commissioner Hayne in his Final Report come into effect.

These include:
•    Ceasing default interest on agricultural loans while farms are affected by drought or natural disaster
•    Ensuring services to people with limited English and those living in remote areas are inclusive and accessible
•    Removing overdraft and dishonour fees on basic, low fee or no fee accounts for concession card holders
•    In addition to RC-recommended changes, the banking industry included guaranteed features for basic bank accounts in this new code.

Australian Banking Association CEO Anna Bligh said the industry has fulfilled its commitment to bolstering its Banking Code of Practice by implementing Commissioner Hayne’s recommendations.


Download the 2020 Banking Code
AROUND THE TRAPS
The Scots PGC team volunteered to help set up, cook and clean up at the Warwick Farmers Feed and got to hang out with guest chef, Matt Golinski.


WARWICK FARMERS FEED


After much planning and budgeting, the Warwick Farmers Feed was held on Friday the 6th of March.
125 people registered to attend the event with celebrity chef, Matt Golinski and local musical duo, the Fern Brothers.

The evening was designed to lift the profile of the Rural Financial Counselling Service, spread awareness of the support we offer to farming families and offer an opportunity for drought affected farmers in the Warwick region to get together and relax.

 

The RFCSSQ staff were our secret weapon, organising helpers, setting up tables and chair, folding napkins, helping to prepare and serve the meal, welcoming guests and generally making sure the event ran smoothly.
HUGE round of applause for Warwick Rural Financial Counsellors, Kim Zerner and Michael Fagg and Toowoomba Rural Financial counsellor, Lewes Golden.
Kim commented after the event that our celebrity chef, Matt Golinski could not have been more accommodating as nothing was a problem for him.

Helpers on the night were organised by Kim's husband, Gary Zerner and consisted of Scots PGC P&F committee from one of Warwick’s local schools. 
"All the helpers loved the opportunity to work alongside Matt Golinski and remarked on what a fantastic and fun night that they had."
"The night would not have run as smoothly as it did without these hard working ladies and gentlemen," said Kim.

The menu consisted of Steak, Pork loin chops, Lamb cutlets, Moreton Bay Bug skewers. a selection of salads with homemade condiments and fruit filled pavlovas for dessert.

"Excellent feedback was provided to all the RFCs in regards to the night’s entertainment and the meal. "
"Most guests thought that they were only being provided with a sausage on bread and were undoubtedly surprised when Matt, during his speech, explained what was on the menu," said Kim.

 


RFCSSQ Chair, Karen Tully attended the event and commented, "The Warwick Farmers Feed was an excellent event on Friday night, and it was really well attended."
"Our team (Lewes, Michael and Kim) did an outstanding job in pulling it together and ensuring it went well. "
"They all went above and beyond and we are very proud of them."
"Matt Golinski cooked us a wonderful meal which everyone loved. "
"The musicians were great too. "
"Additionally, everyone I met from the farming sector spoke very highly of our team, and it appears many local primary producers have used the RFCS at various intervals."
"A great night and it was an honour to attend."

The event was proudly supported by National Transport Insurance, the Department of Communities, Disability Services and Seniors and the Rural Financial Counselling Service.
A special mention must be made of Channel Seven journalist, Kim Skubris who put the RFCSSQ in contact with both the NTI and the Department of Communities who were keen to support the Warwick Farmer Feed.

“Thank you so much for last night…the food, entertainment and hospitality was just amazing. A big shout out to all the people working behind the scenes as well. Was lovely just to sit down and unwind.”

“What an awesome night, the food was outstanding & great entertainment. Thank you”






    
Pictured at the Beaudesert Rural and Regional Business roadshow are (L to R) Rohan Allen, DAF, Rowena Ryan, AusIndustry, Cameron Thomas, Scenic Rim Council, and Natalie Palelei, Boosting Local Care Workforce Program.

RURAL AND REGIONAL BUSINESS ROADSHOW

Organised in conjunction with AusIndustry, RFCSSQ hosted eight Rural and Regional Business information sessions.
Presenters included AusIndustry, the Boosting Local Care Workforce Program, Regional Councils, the Department of Employment,Small Business and Training, the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, the NBN Co, QRIDA, the Regional Investment Corporation and the Rural Financial Counselling Service.
The roadshow attracted nearly 300 registrations over four days.
Sincere thanks to Deborah Mead, Josh Sorenson and Rowena Ryan for their assistance with the roadshow.

"What a great idea, having all services in one room for us to speak with...."

RFCSSQ Small Business Financial Counsellor, Lauren Schmidt and RFCSSQ Rural Financial Counsellor, Teri Sommerfield were in charge at the Cunnamulla Information day.


GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE INFORMATION DAYS

March saw the RFCSSQ Counsellors on the road hosting seven Government Assistance Information days.
We visited Boonah, Rosewood, Toogoolawah, Mungindi, Pittsworth, Quilpie and Cunnamulla but unfortunately our schedule was cut short in response to the Coronavirus threat.
That meant we had to cancel Gin Gin, Childers, Monto and Warwick.
In attendance at the sessions were the Rural Financial Counselling Service - Rural and Small Business, the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Regional Investment Corporation and Services Australia.
Some meetings attracted strong numbers, others small but the feedback from every meeting was exceptional.
Our primary producers and small business owners loved being able to talk one-on-one to people who can help them understand and access Government assistance.
Good job team!



 
WOMEN'S WEALTH AND WELL BEING WORKSHOPS

The Rabobank Women’s Financial Well Being workshops were held throughout the North Burnett and Central Queensland in March.
The events were an initiative of Rabobank’s Community Foundation and were facilitated by innovative financial health advocate, Zoe Lamont.
A founder of the widely acclaimed financial literacy program, '10thousandgirl' and co-founder of the first women's superannuation fund, Verve Superannuation, Zoe is passionate about women's financial well being.

The events were held in Coalstoun Lakes, Monto and Rockhampton as part of a whirlwind tour discussing women’s well being.
RFCSSQ Rural Financial Counsellor, Kim Corfield attended the Coalstoun Lakes event and said it was an opportunity to identify your own personal goals and dreams for 2020.
"After allowing women time to focus on themselves, their hopes and dreams, the conversation turned to women’s personal financial affairs. "
"Topics of interest were superannuation, off farm investments, shares and managed funds, insurance and investment properties."
"We were shown how to calculate our current Statement of Position, and think of where we would like to be so that we can determine some goals to achieve this in a nominated time frame. "

"Given the uncertainty of the economic climate now, all these skills will be very handy for attendees," she said.

 
RFCSSQ BOARD VACANCY
Expressions of Interest

BOARD MEMBER VACANCY

Rural Financial Counselling Service Southern Queensland
 
Rural Solutions Queensland Incorporated, a Not for Profit Body in Queensland auspices the Rural Financial Counselling Service (RFCS) Programme for the Southern Region in Queensland. 
Rural Solutions Queensland and the Rural Financial Counselling Service Southern Queensland are inviting applications from people interested in joining the Board. 
Board members are expected to contribute to the effective governance of Rural Solutions Queensland and the Rural Financial Counselling Service Southern Queensland.

Board members are responsible for overseeing an effective governance and risk management framework for the incorporated entity, setting its strategic directions, ensuring high standards of professional and ethical conduct are maintained, involving providers and the community in decisions that affect them and monitoring the service delivery and financial performance.
 
Meetings are held a minimum of four times each year and there will be some travel required to attend scheduled meetings.  Most meetings are held via teleconference.
You will be required to work as part of a team and contribute opinion, feedback and decisions regarding matters discussed by the Board.
Directors are entitled to sitting fees for full day meetings and teleconference attendance at Board meetings and travel expenses will be reimbursed.
 
One vacancy currently exists for a person who resides within the service area of the RFCS – Southern Queensland and who has skills and experience in the following areas:
  • corporate governance of a not for profit incorporated entity;
  • farm or small business management / administration;
  • expertise, knowledge or experience in relation to primary production
  • understanding of rural and remote issues
  • preference will be given to applicants who reside in the local government areas of Rockhampton, Central Highlands, Fraser Coast, Gympie, North Burnett or Banana Shires.
To apply, individuals need to complete an Expression of Interest (maximum two pages) indicating their skills and experience relevant to the role of a board member and provide a current Curriculum Vitae (maximum two pages).
The Expression of Interest should address the following:
  • Not for profit governance experience, knowledge and skills, including risk, compliance, strategic planning, advocacy and influence.
  • Skills and experience in the management of a rurally based business or primary production enterprise.
  • Demonstrated linkages to community groups and networks within the rural sector.
The deadline for submissions is COB on Friday 3rd April.
 
Short-listed applicants may be interviewed and assessed to ensure that they have the necessary qualifications, skills and experience for the position and that they are able to commit adequate time to the appointment.
 
Please submit your Expression of Interest and curriculum vitae by COB on Friday, 3rd April to:
 
The Chair, Rural Financial Counselling Service – Southern Queensland
Email: admin@rfcssq.org.au
 
For further information please contact the Chair:
Karen Tully
0428712970 or email: karen@mulgasolutions.com.au
UPCOMING EVENTS
All planned events have been postponed indefinitely due to medical and government advice in relation to Coronavirus (COVID-19).
RFCSSQ continue to provide high quality, reliable support to primary producers and small business owners and welcome your contact on 0746225500 or admin@rfcssq.org.au.
STAFF
NAOMI MONK

Naomi Monk is our new Client Support Officer.
Based in the Roma office, Naomi's role is to support clients by providing information packs and application forms.
"I work with clients to collate information and get their applications ready to meet with a Financial Counsellor," she said.
"I also assist with any enquiries that come through via phone."
Born and raised on a cattle property, Naomi spent most of her childhood in the Wandoan, Taroom and Chinchilla districts.
"I moved to Roma 6 months ago to be with my partner."
"Before that it was just me and my beloved dog, Lexie, living on a family property at Chinchilla where I worked for local Government and helped out on the farm as much as I could."
"Since the move, I still try to visit Chinchilla and Taroom as much as possible to help my parents and brother out of the farm."
"Unfortunately Lexie was unable to make the move with me, so she is currently living it up with my parents at Taroom, so any visit to Taroom is extra special because I get to see her."
"Most of my recent trips to Taroom are busy trying to train Lexie up as the new working dog, something I have never done before, so we are both very much learning as we go."
"Hopefully in the coming years, when I move to a more dog friendly house and yard, she can join me (if my parents have not claimed her by then!).
 Studying a Bachelor of Business and Commerce, with a major in Human Resources, Naomi was working for Elders Roma before she moved to RFCSSQ.
ALISON TURNER

Part of the backbone of the RFCSSQ, Alison is our administration assistant and has been in the role for around 2 years.
A former Landmark office manager and insurance portfolio manager, Alison is married with four adult children and seven grandchildren.
"Just one daughter and only one girl out of the seven grandchildren," said Alison.
Alison and her husband, Rod run a family grazing business just outside Roma.
"In my spare time I like visiting my Dad, sister and brother at the beach where my father lives."
"I am also a fairly good reader (Tudor history is my current focus) and gardener.......now it is raining."
CEO'S REPORT
Jenny Whip

You would be well aware of the deepening crisis caused by Coronavirus (COVID-19), the RFCSSQ is implementing precautions to ensure the safety of our clients and staff. 
With the COVID-19 virus impacting Australia, firstly, I wanted to reassure you that the assistance you currently receive from the RFCS Southern Queensland team will continue to be provided to you throughout this crisis however our delivery mechanisms will change based on medical and governmental advice.  

Accordingly, we will ensure staff have not been outside Australia in the 14 days prior to any scheduled farm visits or meetings.  
Moreover, our staff are obligated to:
• Report to us if they or their family have any flu like symptoms – we will then take steps to adjust existing arrangements.  
• Be vigilant with their hygiene, both at home and during farm visits and meetings, 
• Avoid mass gatherings as the virus spreads
• Not shake hands with clients 
Please advise our staff if you have had any Coronavirus event at your home or premises; or if you are feeling unwell with flu-like symptoms or there is any known risk that we should be aware of before a counsellor attends a meeting or farm visit.

We are immediately replacing all face to face appointments with clients over 65 years of age with telephone or Skype conversations. This is to ensure that we are vigilant in protecting the health of older clients.
In addition any clients who may have a known or chronic health condition should advise us, so that any scheduled visits may be re-organised to telephone or Skype conversations.

We will also reschedule or change arrangements for any client that requests a phone or Skype meeting in preference to a face to face meeting, and from 1 April 2020 until further notice will be conducting all client meetings via phone or Skype. 
If an urgent situation arises that requires a face to face meeting, the individual situation will be assessed depending on the current circumstances with the COVID-19 and our resourcing ability.

We will work hard to ensure that any inconvenience to our clients in the months to come is kept to an absolute minimum and appreciate your cooperation and understanding on this issue.
Hopefully, all our clients and staff will remain unaffected by Coronavirus and we can return to normal operational processes as soon as possible.

Jenny Whip


 
CHAIR'S REPORT
Karen Tully

As a resident of Western Queensland, I have the irregular privilege of flying from Charleville to Brisbane and over time, I have become very familiar with a bird’s eye view landscape. 
After all, there have not been many clouds to block the aerial vista in recent years! 

However, in recent weeks this has changed and on my latest trip, there were many fluffy, full and very bumpy grey and white clouds obscuring the blue sky.

When one was able to peek at the ground between the passing clouds, it was a green and shimmery sight that greeted the eyes.
Whilst recognising that not everywhere has shared the recent rain bounty, it is a pure delight to look down at large ring tanks and small dams that are full. 

Meandering the landscape abstractedly, the roads and laneways are like bright green veins which intersect swollen gullies and twisty curvy rivers which snake across the landscape. 
From the air, you can almost smell the sweet moist soil that is sprouting pastures or is ready for planting seed.  Indeed, there are still silvery sheets of water sitting in the paddocks, and in places, water fills the tilled furrows in the black soil of the Darling Downs. 
As we move closer to the coast, the rugged hills and ranges of the coast are as green as anything one would find in Ireland. 
The rivers and creeks are wider and become more frequent, and the city reservoirs are filling with water. 
For many people, this change heralds ‘light at the end of the drought tunnel’ and a change in business operations. 
However, it may not be a bountiful primary production for all – responses will be varied across regions, due to rainfall variability and the prior state of the soil and seed beds. 

For some, severe drought has exacted a heavy toll on their business model.  The much-needed cash flow may not be there to rebuild, restock, replant or diversify. 
The Rural Financial Counselling Service – Southern Queensland has rural financial counsellors available who can assist eligible primary producers in navigating their way forward as we move into autumn and winter.

Quite simply, this is what our team do best – they are able to help you with your cash flow projections; business option scenario planning; preparations for negotiations with financiers or help you to identify assistance schemes that may provide a way forward.  Maybe you are interested in succession planning, or examining the possibility of a sale?
Business folk in town are not forgotten either.  We also have a team of Small Business Financial Counsellors who can offer individual support to small businesses in drought declared shires. 

Our team are here to help you to make decisions that you are comfortable with to take your business forward. 
Our assistance is free, impartial and totally confidential. 
Why not call our office today and make an appointment? 
After all, you deserve to make the right decisions for both yourself, your small business or your primary production business. 

Karen
Disclaimer of Liability 
Every effort is made to provide accurate and complete information in RFCSSQ’s newsletters, however, RFCSSQ cannot guarantee that there will be no errors.
RFCSSQ makes no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the contents of the newsletters and expressly disclaims liability for errors and omissions in the contents of this newsletters.
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Our mailing address is:
42b Wyndham Street, Roma QLD 4455
Phone: 07 46 22 5500 Email: admin@rfcssq.org.au

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