September 17, 2008
In a breakthrough for drought-stricken farmers across Gippsland, the Government has confirmed that there will be a review of the drought declaration decision.
The Nationals Member for Gippsland Darren Chester raised the issue in Parliamentary Question Time for two consecutive days and has spoken directly with the Minister about the need to reconsider the decision to end Exceptional Circumstances drought support.
Today, the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Tony Burke, confirmed in his reply to Mr Chester that the National Rural Advisory Council (NRAC) will visit Gippsland to review its decision.
“This is a real breakthrough,” Mr Chester said.
“The Minister has confirmed that NRAC will carry out an inspection in Gippsland as part of a review of the Exceptional Circumstances provisions.
“I would like to thank the many farming families who contacted my office and provided information for the community based submission which supported our calls for a review of the decision.
“I can’t guarantee that this visit will result in a change in the decision but at least we now have a genuine opportunity to put the case to NRAC and the Minister.”
Mr Chester told Federal Parliament today that he had written 35 letters directly to Minister Burke outlining the concerns of individual farming families.
“Many of the dryland farming areas of our region have experienced lower rainfall than the previous 12 months when the Exceptional Circumstances provisions were rolled over by The Nationals as part of the Coalition Government,” Mr Chester said.
“I am yet to receive details about when NRAC will visit but it will be an opportunity for them to gain a first hand understanding of the constant strain the dry conditions are placing on many communities across Gippsland.
“Many farmers are reporting conditions to my office which are as severe as anything they have experienced in decades on the land.”