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Exceptional Circumstances In Bass CoastThe Department of Primary Industries (DPI) is currently putting together a case for Bass Coast to receive exceptional circumstances classification. By Bass Coast Shire Council - 12th December 2006 - Back to News The plan is to have the application before the Federal Government by Christmas.
In order for the Shire to be eligible for any drought relief, it must first receive exceptional circumstances classification from the Federal Government. The Department of Primary Industries is currently putting together a South West Gippsland application covering Bass Coast, Cardinia, Baw Baw, South Gippsland and the Shire of Yarra Ranges.
Last week, Bass Coast Shire Council officers and a group of approximately 40 local farmers met with David Jones from the DPI. The purpose of the meeting was to obtain financial hardship data from the whole Shire.
The financial hardship data will then be combined with a whole range of data. This will include information on weather patterns from the Bureau of Meteorology and information provided by Council.
South West Gippsland is one of the few areas in Victoria that hasn’t already been granted an exceptional circumstances classification.
Mr Jones said that the Bass Coast meeting was one of the most positive he had been to, in terms of the level of interest and the participation of those who attended.
He also said it was clear from the meeting that a number of farmers in the Shire are experiencing severe hardship as a result of the drought.
Council’s Economic Development Manager, Stephanie Symes said that the process was now underway and Council would keep the community updated.
"I also want to reassure all farmers that they are included in the exceptional circumstances application not just those who attended the meeting.
"People should not be concerned if they didn’t attend the meeting, or they haven’t filled out a financial hardship form," said Ms Symes.
"The meeting was a way to gather a representative sample."
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
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