Full description
The Rural Assistance Authority was established on 1 July 1989 (1) by the Rural Assistance Act, 1989 (Act No. 97, 1989) The purpose of the Authority was to provide assistance to farmers and others engaged in rural industries. The Board consisted of the Chief Executive of the Authority and four part-time members, two appointed to represent farmers and two with qualifications in banking, farm management or an associated area.
Assistance is provided in the form of concessional loans, interest subsidies and/or grants. Assistance is made available upon application for the acquisition of land; for improvements to the farm, farm buildings and facilities; for production (pasture, fodder and stock) improvement; for special purposes; and for emergency relief after losses sustained through natural disaster.
In 1996 the Annual Report of the Rural Assistance Authority described its functions as follows "to administer a wide range of assistance measures to the rural sector" and "to be responsible for the administration of relief assistance to small businesses that have suffered loss or damage due to natural disaster". (2)
In 2024 the Rural Assistance Authority describes its functions as to provide " tailored access to financial assistance to help regional and rural businesses and communities in NSW deal with challenges and change." (3)
Endnotes
1. New South Wales Government Gazette No. 81, 30 June 1989, p.3810.
2. Rural Assistance Authority Annual Report 1996, p.1.
3. Rural Assistance Authority, Home page About Us, https://www.raa.nsw.gov.au/ (accessed 24 April 2024).
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