Drought relief: temporary measures for long-term problem
The drought that has been plauging rural Australians over the last four years isn’t showing any signs of letting up, however the federal government this week is set to announce a relief package that will ease the burden on farmers and their families. Whilst still needing Treasury approval, the plan includes financial assistance to farmers including loan-repayment subsidies and cash grants, as well as additional funding for counselling. Overall the plan aims to assist farmers through the tough times and encourage more of them to stay on the land. However, critics say financial handouts are short term solutions to a long term problem. Dr John Williams is the former Chief of CSIRO Land and Water and a member of the Wentworth Group or Environmental Scientists. He spoke to Bill Birtles about whether we are likely to see sufficient rainfall in future.