Church promises not to desert farmers
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A south-eastern New South Wales church leader has reassured struggling farmers on the Monaro that they are not being deserted.
Catholic Archbishop Mark Coleridge conducted a special drought prayer session in Bombala on Saturday, telling locals that there was a danger that governments could forget the difficulties facing Australia's farming communities in the wake of the world economic crisis.
He said the drought across the Monaro and many other parts of the Canberra and Goulburn diocese was forcing many primary producers to consider their future on the land.
"One of the reasons I'm down here is to try and boost spirits a bit and let people know that whoever else is walking away from the land and turning their back on the bush, the church certainly won't be doing that," he said.
"So we've got not the slightest intention of walking away.
"Things are very tough, not just for farmers but for foresters who are an important part of the life down here."
