October 19, 2010
The Nationals Member for Gippsland Darren Chester says Exceptional Circumstances (EC) drought funding may still need to be extended in Gippsland next year despite recent rainfall.
Mr Chester this week met with Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) representatives and inspected several local properties which are continuing to experience dry conditions.
“While there has been some welcome rainfall recently, the annual rainfall figures still point to dry conditions in many parts of Gippsland and EC provision may need to be extended beyond April 30 next year,” Mr Chester said.
“Neither this week’s rain or the recent floods, primarily caused by melting snow, have done enough to alleviate dry conditions in vast areas of the region where farmers are reporting poor conditions.”
The Nationals Candidate for Gippsland East Tim Bull said he had been approached by several farmers who were concerned that EC provisions could be removed next April.
“The Nationals have always stood up for farming families and I’m working as part of a team to make sure that our region’s interests are well represented when the EC review is undertaken,” Mr Bull said.
Senior VFF representative Chris Nixon from Orbost said it was important that farmers had certainty as they planned for the future.
Prior to this week’s rain, he told a VFF public meeting that steps were being taken now to make the case for extending EC provisions beyond April 30, 2011.
“We are still clearly in drought and it should be a fait accompli that funding is extended but nothing’s ever taken for granted,” Mr Nixon said.
“Gippsland and the Monaro are probably the only two areas in Australia which are still in drought.”
Mr Chester said he would raise the issue in Federal Parliament and would highlight the community’s need for certainty.
EC provisions would only be extended following an assessment by the National Rural Advisory Council (NRAC) at the recommendation of the State Department of Primary Industries (DPI).
“Although the NRAC process is independent of the Minister’s office it is important that both State and Federal Ministers understand that the recent floods in Victoria have not necessarily broken the drought here in Gippsland,” Mr Chester said.
“It would provide some comfort to farming families to know as soon as possible that EC support in relation to income assistance and interest rate subsidies will continue beyond April next year.
“I will be urging the Ministers to make an early assessment and prompt announcement to provide financial security for the local farming sector.”