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Wellington Prepares for DroughtA meeting organised by Wellington Shire Council has provided the framework for a co-ordinated response to drought across the Shire. By Welilngton Shire Council - 25th October 2006 - Back to News "There are many organisations already active in dealing with issues arising from the drought," said Cr Malcolm Hole, Mayor of Wellington Shire Council.
"Our meeting was aimed at sharing information on the drought and co-ordinating any actions to provide the best possible outcome for any farmers, businesses or families affected by the drought."
The meeting of farming, service, and welfare agencies was told that drought impacts were expected to hit the community hard as summer approached.
"It appears that many farmers are on the last of the winter feed and water now, and that the district would have serious shortages of both in the new year," said Cr Hole.
"These impacts would flow through from farmers to local business and the broader community."
"Already small towns are experiencing 60% reduction in business through local firms," said Cr Hole.
The meeting formed a committee to pursue particular issues of drought relief. The committee immediately identified several major actions:
- A public meeting on Thursday 2 November at Sale Memorial Hall to outline the expected future of the drought and explain assistance services available.
- Approach state and federal governments to investigate broader interest rate subsidies.
- Have the Macalister Irrigation District declared as exceptional circumstances (to allow access to drought support).
- Approach the state government to open up crown land for breeding stock to graze.
- Approach the state government to pay the water rights rebate direct to Southern Rural Water so that it won’t count as income for farmers.
- Council to remove fees and make it easier to access roadside grazing.
- Request government support for training in ‘drought survival’ for small business in rural towns.
Cr Hole said Council was also considering several additional measures that would assist farmers as the drought became more serious.
"Many agencies are very well organised to deal with the practical and human cost of drought." Said Cr Hole.
"I am very impressed."
"If Council can assist these efforts through an advocacy or co-ordination role then that will be all the better for those affected by the drought," said Cr Hole.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
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