All drought affected primary produces in the Central Queensland area stretching from Gin Gin through to Mount Larcom will be eligible to receive further Exceptional Circumstances payments after the Federal Government’s decision to commit an extra $350 million to the drought affected areas.

Local Federal Member Paul Neville said all primary producers in the region known as the ‘Burnett Addendum’ would get much needed relief from the roll over of Exceptional Circumstances declarations.

“Those arrangements will include access to Exceptional Circumstances relief payment and interest rate subsidies until March 31st 2008, giving eligible primary producers ongoing financial relief from the effects of drought,” he said.

“The Governments streamlined assessment process means that farmers are informed of decisions sooner and are able to manage their farms accordingly.”

Mr Neville said prolonged dry conditions were having a significant impact on the Central Queensland region, and was pleased to see a quick decision made on extending the Exceptional Circumstances declaration.

‘Meteorologist are predicting a hot dry summer, and the Government is committed to supporting Australia’s farmers through the worst drought in 100 years.”

‘The weather bureau has also warned that there is an increasing risk of an El Nino event during the rest of 2006, which means eastern Australia is likely to receive even less rain fall.”

Mr Neville said the Government would soon consider a package of further measures for drought assistance.

“The Government has already distributed more than $1.2 billion on drought assistance around the nation since 2001 and will continue to do all we can to help Australia’s farmers through this difficult period.”

Mr Neville said it was important farmers did not self-assess but rather contact Centerlink on the National Drought helpline, 13 23 16, as soon as possible to check their eligibility for assistance.

“For interest rate subsidy information, primary produces should contact the Queensland Rural Adjustment Authority. They should also remember that there are also other, non Exceptional Circumstances related support services available from Centerlink, such as advice from social workers and financial Information Service officers who can help individual farmers and their family’s deal with the effects of drought,” he said.