18 May 2010
DAFF10/440B

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Tony Burke has asked the National Rural Advisory Council (NRAC) to assess three new Exceptional Circumstances (EC) applications in South Australia.

The applications cover producers in parts of the Eastern Eyre Peninsula, Far West Eyre Peninsula and Upper North Cropping District of South Australia.

“The applications from the South Australian Government have been immediately referred to NRAC,” Mr Burke said.

The Eastern Eyre Peninsula broadly encompasses the towns of Cleve, Cowell, Arno Bay and Port Neill. The Far West Eyre Peninsula incorporates some parts of land within the District Council of Ceduna, while the Upper North Cropping District covers parts of the district councils of Mt Remarkable, Flinders Ranges, Orroroo/Carrieton, Peterborough and Goyder.

Mr Burke said the Rudd Government is committed to supporting farmers through some of the toughest conditions of their lives.

Earlier this month Mr Burke announced the start of a new era in drought support, with a 12-month trial of a new package of measures to be tested in a region covering half of Western Australia.

“We want to change the focus to helping farmers prepare for the future instead of waiting until they are in crisis,” Mr Burke said.

Current drought assistance measures will continue for farmers in areas that are EC declared.

NRAC will continue to reassess areas against existing EC criteria as these areas come up for renewal, or when fresh EC proposals are submitted by state governments.

For more information on EC assistance, visit www.daff.gov.au/agriculture-food/drought/ec