Carnarvon flood recovery fund extended,
Author: Vincent Catania
Published on: 28-February-2011
Carnarvon growers impacted by recent rainfall will have until March 18 to apply for flood recovery assistance after the deadline was extended.
Agriculture and Food Minister Terry Redman and Vince Catania MLA, Member for North West, last week inspected the latest flood damage and spoke with growers.
“A small number of growers may have been impacted by the most recent rain and we want to help them to get back on their feet and back to production as soon as possible,” Mr Redman said.
“Following the initial flooding in December, the Liberal-National Government acted quickly to set up a fund of up to $3million to assist growers to access and spread soil on their plantations and repair their main water tank for irrigation,” he said.
Mr Catania said growers seemed happy with the Government’s response and optimistic about the future.
“This area is a major supplier of fresh fruit and vegetables for the State and it’s great to see such a positive attitude within the community,” Mr Catania said.
He urged Carnarvon growers who had incurred additional damage from recent floods to contact the Department of Agriculture and Food about recovery programs.
A team of department officers were on the ground last week to assess the damage.
“Growers who have incurred additional damage as a result of the recent flood – and have not yet been contacted by a department officer – should phone the Gascoyne Research Station on 9956 3333,” Mr Catania said.
“I’m also advised that temporary emergency storage for seedlings is available at the research station for growers who can’t store seedlings because of recent flooding,” he said.
Pits are currently being assessed to determine when they will be dry enough to reopen and growers will be kept informed of any developments.
Growers wanting to report additional damage or find out further information should contact the Gascoyne Research Station on 9956 3333
