Kim Chance

Kim Chance

Minister for Agriculture and Food; Forestry; the Mid West and Wheatbelt; Great Southern

    State Government gets relief for WA Farmers

    16/08/2005 12:00 AM
     
    16/8/05

    The State Government has successfully sought Federal assistance for Western Australian farmers under Natural Disaster Relief Arrangements (NDRA) for the second time this year, Agriculture Minister Kim Chance announced today.

    The areas covered for the latest declaration are the Shires of Plantagenet and portions of the Shires of Gnowangerup, Jerramungup and Albany City.

    "The unusually heavy rains had a severe impact on the region,” Mr Chance said.

    “Through the Fire and Emergency Services Authority (FESA), WA has successfully asked for the event to be declared a natural disaster and this can bring relief to primary producers.”

    Farmers in these areas may apply for the NDRA Primary Producer Package that provides up to $1,500 for professional advice specific to recovering from the disaster event and access to a four per cent subsidy on loans to assist recovery, subject to qualifying criteria.

    Loans may be used to replace lost livestock, repair damage to uninsurable assets or to provide additional carry-on finance for establishing the next season’s production program.

    Extreme June rainfall on the south coast region had caused serious damage to farm properties, mainly in the Wellstead, Green Range, Bremer Bay and South Stirling areas.

    Warriup, near Green Range, recorded a record daily rainfall on June 5 of 201mm, which was the highest daily rainfall in the South-West land division.

    The significant rainfall caused extensive flooding, damage to roads, severe soil erosion on farms and destroyed farm dams and fences.

    The first NDRA declaration came earlier this year, after heavy rains in the strip of Great Southern Shires between West Arthur, Katanning and Albany between March 30 and April 2 caused severe flooding, resulting in the death of over 100,000 recently shorn sheep from exposure and destroyed 70 per cent of the seed potato crop in the area.

    To access a concessional loan, applicants must demonstrate that funds are not available from their own resources.

    Information and application forms are available on the Department of Agriculture’s website: http://www.agric.wa.gov.au - click on Farm Management, Click on State Natural Disaster Relief Arrangements.

    Farmers are invited to discuss their own situation with specialist officers by calling Freecall 1800 198 231.

    The Gallop Government is ensuring regional Western Australia receives its fair share.

    Minister's office: 9213 6700