22/1/01
Primary Industry Minister Monty House will address a meeting of the Regional Co-ordinating Group in Lake Grace to discuss the applications for exceptional and special circumstances funding, which have been forwarded to the Federal Minister for Agriculture, Warren Truss.
Mr House said the Regional Co-ordinating Group was a forum for the nine local Shire Seasonal Advisory Groups most affected by the adverse seasonal conditions. Its role was to co-ordinate delivery of local services and provide information on the effects of the season to the Seasonal Advisory Committee and Government.
Mr House called the special meeting to outline to those shires the process and criteria used for the selection of areas included in the applications.
“The submission process was very much a team effort and I thank all farmers and shires for their time and input,” he said.
“In addition, the contribution of the Western Australian Farmers’ Federation and the Pastoralists’ and Graziers’ Association has been integral to the final submission.
“The Lake Grace meeting will also allow for continued discussion on the on-going requirements of farming families and rural communities to assist the State Government to further deliver what is possible at the grass roots level.
“It is important for this Government to work through the issues with farmers, industry and shires to ensure that appropriate help is provided to those who need it most and that the State Government’s assistance package and its programs are kept on track and accessed as much as possible.”
Regional Co-ordinating Group and Seasonal Advisory Committee chairman Eric Charlton will outline to the shires a range of services and help for farming families. Mr Charlton will be urging shire representatives to relay that information back to farmers in their region.
Mr House said he looked forward to a positive response, as a matter of urgency, from the Federal Government on the exceptional circumstances and special assistance submissions, because now, more than ever, their support was paramount to the economic future of many farmers in WA.
Media contact: Julie Cole 9481 2044
