$430 MILLION TOP-UP FOR DROUGHT ASSISTANCE

An additional $430 million in drought assistance will be provided by the Federal Liberal-National Government to help farming communities battling one of the worst droughts on record, Senator Fiona Nash said today. “The Federal Government knows full-well this drought is a long way from being over,” Senator Nash said. “Families in our rural communities are hurting and the situation for many is only getting worse as the deadline for rain to salvage what is left of this year’s crop closes in. “This drought is nothing short of a natural disaster and today’s announcement of an additional $430 million in drought assistance will help ease the strain so many in our farming communities are feeling.” Senator Nash said the additional funding will extend assistance for the 38 areas of agricultural production currently receiving Exceptional Circumstances (EC) support until September 2008. Today’s announcement builds on the more than $2.4 billion provided by the Federal Coalition Government in drought assistance since 2001. Interim EC assistance for farmers in Tasmania and Western Australia was also included in today’s funding announcement. Media contact: Julie Siegert 0429 818 600

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