Rural Aid and CommBank are supporting farmers affected by the Victorian bushfires with a $100,000 donation, providing measures to help farming families deal with urgent livestock welfare, feed shortages, and the long-term recovery expected following days of extreme fire conditions.
Rural Aid CEO John Warlters said the need on the ground is significant.
“Rural Aid is coordinating closely with local councils, community hubs and relief centres to prioritise assistance, with support available to farmers regardless of banking or insurance arrangements”, Mr Warlters said.
The organisation will increase fodder deliveries and water tank/household drinking water to meet the anticipated growing demand in affected communities, as farmers move from immediate response into early recovery.
“CommBank’s support is going to assist greatly in recovery efforts. Farmers need feed, they need support to replace boundary fences to contain livestock. We’re also expecting increased demand for water tanks to provide water for domestic consumption” he said.
CommBank General Manager Agribusiness Roddy Brown said this donation reflects the bank’s focus on enabling practical, on-the-ground support.
“Our teams are speaking with our customers and know firsthand that farmers need practical help quickly, as well as time and breathing space to work through next steps.
“Supporting Rural Aid is a critical way to provide practical assistance like more fodder on the ground and ensure farmers are getting the support they need to begin the long road to recovery.”
Banking support for impacted farmers
In addition to its support for Rural Aid, CommBank has announced a range of emergency assistance measures for customers impacted by the bushfires.
The measures include tailored repayments and repayment holidays for business loans, early access to term deposits including Farm Management deposit and access to additional credit and working capital support, subject to approval.
“Speed and flexibility matter more than ever so we’re focussed on fast-tracked cashflow support to help farmers cover urgent costs, and give them time to focus on planning their recovery,” Brown said.
Farmers affected by the Victorian bushfires can seek support though Rural Aid by visiting ruralaid.org.au or calling 1300 327 624. CBA customers are encouraged to call 1800 314 695 or speak to their relationship manager about their individual circumstances and available support options.
Banking support for retail and business customers
Planning is underway for a pop-up branch in Yea and cash services in Alexandra with extended opening hours in branches in Seymour, Euroa and Mansfield. Branch availability and further information about CBA's Emergency Assistance is available online at commbank.com.au/support/emergency-assistance.
Support is also available to CommBank’s retail and business customers:
- Customised payment arrangements for home loans, business loans, personal loans and credit cards.
- Waiving fees and charges, including waiving fees for temporary and damaged merchant EFTPOS terminals, as well as support with merchant terminal rental fees.
- Temporary overdrafts, additional loans or emergency credit limit increases (subject to credit approval).
- Waiving fees and notice periods for early access to Term Deposits (including Farm Management Term Deposits).
- Temporary accommodation may be available for customers who have taken out Home Insurance provided by Hollard, distributed by CommBank, subject to making a claim and policy terms and conditions.
- Helping direct claims enquiries for customers seeking support through their Home Insurance provided by Hollard, distributed by CommBank.
- To access this support, customers should contact the bank through the CommBank app. Alternatively, they can call 1800 314 695.
