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Drought relief funding now available for Gippsland farmersFarmers in drought affected areas of Latrobe City, Wellington and East Gippsland shires are now eligible to receive income support payments. By Latrobe City Council - 31st October 2003 - Back to News Latrobe City, Wellington and East Gippsland shires have now been declared areas of prima facie Exceptional Circumstance following a recent visit by the State Government Drought Taskforce.
Latrobe City Mayor, Councillor Graeme Middlemiss, said that although recent rainfall across the region had made the area look green and unaffected, drought was still a significant problem in some areas.
"In Northern and Eastern zones, insufficient rain has fallen to lessen the impact of the long term effects of drought. Rainfall records show below average rainfall across the eastern part of the state for over four years compounding the drought issue for farmers in these affected areas," Cr Middlemiss said.
"Many of these farmers are not experienced in handling drought conditions, so the declaration has come as a welcome relief. The prima facie assistance is available for six months and producers can apply for assistance anytime within that six month period, and be backdated," Cr Middlemiss said.
Cr Middlemiss added that the Department of Primary Industry would be contacting all farmers across Gippsland to collect data on the impact of the drought to support an application to expand drought support payments to full Exceptional Circumstances.
Farmers can also access free assistance on completing any application forms by calling Gippsland Farmers Support Group for Latrobe City farmers on 5624 2286; or for those in Wellington and East Gippsland Shires call The Gippsland Rural Financial Counselling Service on 5147 0871. The Centrelink drought line is 13 23 16.
For general drought enquiries and access to a drought information kit contact the Department of Primary Industry and Department of Sustainability and Environment Customer Service Centre on 13 61 86.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
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