Exceptional Circumstance will end 31 March 2011
February 25, 2011
Many local farmers and small businesses will be terribly disappointed by today’s announcement from the Federal Labor Minister for Agriculture, Joe Ludwig, that Exceptional Circumstances drought assistance for northern Victoria will not continue beyond the 31st March 2011.
Federal Member for Murray Dr Sharman Stone said she was shocked at the announcement which will come as a major blow to farmers and businesses still struggling in the aftermath of 10 years of drought.
“I have asked the Victorian Coalition Government to urgently make an application to the Federal Agriculture Minister for Exceptional Circumstances flood assistance,” Sharman Stone said.
“We have one month before the end of Drought EC to have this alternative Flood EC support put into place.
“For many the EC payments kept the banks at arms length as it helped with Interest Rate Subsidies and the weekly income payments helped with the household bills.
“There may be some assistance available for farmers through Transitional Income Support program which is paid to eligible farmers for up to 12 months. This payment is subject to income and assets tests.
Sharman Stone said farmers should contact their local Centrelink to check their eligibility for the Transitional Income Support rather than self assess.
Anyone who was affected by the floods, who has not yet contacted Centrelink should do so immediately by calling the
Emergency Assistance Hotline 1802266 (www.centrelink.gov.au),
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