7/04/05
Agriculture Minister Kim Chance has welcomed the provision of new Exceptional Circumstances (EC) assistance to Western Australian farmers affected by drought conditions.
The joint State/Commonwealth assistance was announced today in response to detailed submissions prepared by the Western Australian Government.
“Today’s announcement comes as an enormous relief to farmers and pastoralists who have been under intense pressure waiting for news of WA’s applications to the Commonwealth made on their behalf,” Mr Chance said.
“The assistance, in the form of income support and interest rate subsidies, will now enable them to get on with planning for the future running of their operations.”
About 120 farmers in the north-eastern Wheatbelt will be able to apply for up to two years of income support. Applications can be made at Centrelink offices, or by calling Centrelink's National Drought Hotline on 13 23 16.
Farmers in affected areas are also able to apply for interest subsidies of up to $100,000 a year for two years by contacting the WA Department of Agriculture's Farm Development Unit on 1800 198 231.
Producers in the Southern Rangelands have also been granted a 12-month extension to Exceptional Support (EC) income support and interest rate subsidies of up to $100,000 a year.
Minister's office: 9213 6700
