Drought reform pilot a big win for WA, Crook
Author: Tony Crook
Published on: 06-May-2010
The Federal Nationals candidate for the seat of O’Connor, Tony Crook, has welcomed an announcement by the State Agriculture and Food Minister Terry Redman’s that Western Australia will host a pilot of drought reform measures aimed at preparing farm businesses and rural communities for future challenges.
Mr Crook said he was pleased that Mr Redman and Federal Agriculture Minister Tony Burke have announced that WA will join with the Federal Government to trial a new approach to drought assistance in a bid to build a more secure future for the industry.
“This is a great result for farmers throughout WA who have not been well served by the Exceptional Circumstances arrangements in the past,” Mr Crook said.
“The current EC arrangements are complex and bureaucratic, so this pilot is a chance for Western Australian farmers and their families to access more generous support sooner.
“It is also important to shift our focus to preparing for tough times and building resilient farm businesses instead of waiting for a crisis to hit and then reacting.”
The pilot region has been selected based on previous recipients of Exceptional Circumstances (EC) and extends from Karratha to Esperance, covering 67 local government authorities.
“It is particularly gratifying to see that mental health forms part of this proposal,” Mr Crook said.
“There are many career farmers out there that are really feeling the pinch and under enormous social and economic pressure. They desperately need support networks that can get them through these tough times.”
The pilot is due to start on 1 July 2010 and end on 30 June 2011.
Mr Crook praised Agriculture Minister Terry Redman for pushing the idea of hosting the pilot in WA.
“The Nationals WA are committed to representing regional WA, and this pilot is a great win for Western Australian farming families,” he said.
“I’m very proud that Western Australia is at the forefront of a program that could revolutionise the way Australia tackles drought into the future.”
** For more information please contact 13 23 16 or visit the website www.daff.gov.au/droughtpilot
