PRIMARY producers in the region who have been battling to keep their businesses afloat will be saddened to learn that budget cuts have led to the closure of the Rural Financial Counselling Service office in Orange.
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In the past, small agriculture-dependent rural business operators, who were enduring financial difficulties, had been able to turn to the service for free advice on a range of financial matters.
Many would say it is a sign of the times that these business operators will now be forced to have many of their discussions over the phone, via email or video conference, or drive to the closest offices in Dubbo or Mudgee.
But, while they may be able to book in a visit from a mobile advisor, these bookings may be hard to secure and wait times might be lengthy.
The service’s regional CEO Jeff Caldbeck has pledged people with urgent problems will be dealt with immediately, however, in times of crisis a telephone conversation is never the same as speaking to someone in person.
Often country people are reluctant to ask for help, particularly when it comes to financial matters, so it remains to be seen how they will feel about talking about their private business dealings over the phone.
Of course it is not only the Orange and Cabonne producers who will suffer as a result of these cuts, offices in Parkes, Nyngan, Coonamble, Cobar and Buronga will also close.
Over the years thousands of rural businesses have been helped by the service, but there are still countless growers and business operators who are finding it hard to make ends meet.
At a time when our primary producers and rural businesses need all the help they can get, itis unfortunate to hear the federal government does not recognise the service’s vital contribution and fund it accordingly.
