{"id":102326,"date":"2015-04-08T22:00:35","date_gmt":"2015-04-08T12:00:35","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/southburnett.com.au\/news2\/?p=102326"},"modified":"2021-01-25T14:01:54","modified_gmt":"2021-01-25T04:01:54","slug":"rural-mates-fear-funding-will-be-cut","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/southburnett.com.au\/news2\/2015\/04\/08\/rural-mates-fear-funding-will-be-cut\/","title":{"rendered":"Rural ‘Mates’ Fear Funding Will Be Cut"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"\"<\/a>
Rod Saal (Photo: Ag Assist)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

April 8, 2015<\/strong><\/p>\n

Opposition spokesperson for agriculture Deb Frecklington is calling urgently on the State Government to continue funding for the \u201cMates Who Open Gates\u201d counselling support service for farmers.<\/p>\n

The Member for Nanango said the innovative program provided on-farm counselling support for farming families but it was at risk of folding due to a lack of State Government funding.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am very concerned that this very successful and unique program will stop if the Labor Government chooses not to re-fund the service,\u201d Mrs Frecklington said.<\/p>\n

\u201cMore than 70 per cent of the State is still in the grip of a terrible drought. Our farmers need all the support they can get, yet it seems that Labor doesn\u2019t even realise that some of our primary producers are in real trouble.”<\/p>\n

The Mates Who Open Gates program was created and co-ordinated by Toowoomba group, Ag Assist, led by Rod Saal.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cThe Mates Who Open Gates program trains volunteers who (at the invitation of the producer), visit on-farm and lend an ear,” Mrs Frecklington said.<\/p>\n

“This may lead to a referral for further support, or may just open up a good opportunity to speak with someone about their situation.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe LNP recognised the value of this program and funded the pilot project. More than 80 volunteers received training and more than double the expected number of farmers requested assistance.<\/p>\n

\u201cI fully support Mr Saal\u2019s efforts to extend the program for at least another two years, because I know there is a need.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe pilot project supported many farmers in my own Electorate of Nanango, throughout the Toowoomba and South Burnett Regional Council areas.<\/p>\n

“I know local volunteers were crucial in supporting local farming families and I would like to see this program continue and grow so even more families can benefit.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m calling on the State Labor Government to see how important this program is in helping to prevent suicide in our regional areas \u2013 they must consider re-funding the \u2018Mates Who Open Gates\u2019 program.”<\/p>\n