1 October 2010
DAFF10/012L
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Senator Joe Ludwig, today announced he has accepted independent advice from the National Rural Advisory Council on its assessment of Exceptional Circumstances applications for three areas in South Australia.
NRAC has recommended applications for the Upper North Cropping District, Far West Eyre Peninsula and Eastern Eyre Peninsula not be EC declared.
New applications for the three proposed areas were submitted by the South Australian Government. NRAC inspected each area and spoke with local producers.
NRAC concluded that while poor seasonal conditions were experienced by producers there had not been a rare and severe climatic event under the existing EC criteria.
“The Gillard Government recognises that, despite improved seasonal conditions in many parts of Australia, the drought continues to place extraordinary pressure on many farming families across Australia,” Minister Ludwig said.
“That is why the Australian Government is undergoing trial of drought measures in Western Australian to help farmers prepare for the future instead of waiting for a crisis to happen.”
“The early results of the pilot are positive and we will continue to monitor the success of these new measures over the coming months.”
Outside of the pilot region and in all other parts of Australia the government’s Exceptional Circumstances arrangements continue to apply.
Eligibility for EC assistance arises when a rare and severe event is linked to a rare and severe downturn in income extending beyond 12 months that farmers can’t manage as part of their normal risk management practices.
Primary Producers in areas that are no longer subject to EC declarations may be eligible for Transitional Income Support under the Australian Government’s Climate Change Adjustment Program.
For more information on EC assistance go to Exceptional Circumstances.
