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Assessing drought relief announcementThe Gippsland Drought Working Group* – which includes Wellington, East Gippsland and Latrobe Councils – is considering the impact of a Federal Government decision not to extend the period of drought relief for the area. By Wellington Shire Council - 27th October 2003 - Back to News The Federal Agriculture Minister Warren Truss recently announced that Central and East Gippsland should not be granted an Exceptional Circumstances declaration at this time. If this stands, it means farmers and rural industries will not qualify for drought relief after the current six-month prima facie Exception Circumstances assistance period comes to an end in February 2004.
The Minister stated in a news release that: "NRAC – an independent committee of farmers and agribusiness professionals – has advised that a case for EC assistance has not been demonstrated at this time for Central and East Gippsland."
He went on to say that he accepted NRAC advice that some producers may meet the EC criteria in the future depending on the extent of spring rain and its subsequent impact on pasture growth and in determining future water allocations in the Macalister Irrigation District.
The Minister said: "I have therefore accepted NRAC’s recommendation that the application area be reviewed at the beginning of November 2003 to assess the impact of any rain during the coming months."
Said Wellington’s Mayor John Jago: "All those represented on the Gippsland Drought Group are now carefully considering the implications of the Government’s announcement. We will be looking to play an active role in the coming review to ensure the interests of our farmers and rural industries, which have a very significant role to play in our local economies, are taken on board fully, and that an appropriate outcome is achieved."
Meanwhile the Group is urging farmers who have not yet applied for prima facie Exceptional Circumstances drought relief assistance to do so as soon as possible. They may qualify for a range of help including interest rate relief and income support and should contact the Centrelink Drought Assistance Line on 13 23 16 to discuss their eligibility.
The Gippsland Drought Working Group has been meeting regularly since August’s drought declaration to consider and implement joint measures designed to help farmers deal with ongoing difficulties.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
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