NAB today announced its support for a new Victorian Drought Response Taskforce.

NAB Group CEO Andrew Irvine said: “NAB is ready to play our role in helping farmers, their families and regional Victorian businesses and communities as they deal with the devastating impacts of the drought.

“Multi-generational farmers who have been on the same land for over a century are telling us it is one of the worst droughts on record. Some of them are making the heart-breaking decision to reduce their stock because they can’t afford to feed them or provide enough water.  Businesses that service farms are hurting too.

“It’s also vital we consider the mental health impacts for the farmers, their families, and those businesses and communities that support them.”

NAB does a third of all lending to farmers and many NAB bankers live and farm in areas impacted by the drought. NAB’s Regional and Agribusiness Executive Khan Horne will represent NAB on the taskforce to provide the perspectives of customers.

Mr Irvine said NAB was here to help any customer who needed financial support.

“For any farmer or business, please call your bank.  The sooner you call the sooner we can help,” he said.

Help may range from payment pauses, changes to your repayments and temporary relief from existing financial commitments. NAB can also provide access to mental health support for any customer who needs it.