New South Wales government authorities have been cleared of concerns they would be footing the bill for administering the Federal Government’s Farm Finance plan, and have gladly signed on for funds.

NSW joins NT and WA in signing on to the Commonwealth plan this week. Victoria and Queensland will see funding sooner, as they jumped on the opportunity earlier than other states.

There was concern when the farm funding bill was first tabled that state governments and local councils would be stuck paying for the funds just to go where they are needed. Now NSW’s Agriculture Minister Katrina Hodgkinson says their fears have been put to rest and the state welcomes the helping hand to food producers.

Ms Hodgkinson said negotiations have now concluded, they arose when former Federal Agriculture Minister Joe Ludwig could not answer questions on administration costs earlier this year.

The Farm Finance fund is not the widest ranging Government spend; it will likely only affect a few dozen farmers in New South Wales, but does offer a significant hand at what is a critical time for recipients.

Information on eligibility and the release of Farm Finance Funds is available from the Department of Agriculture.