Dry season assistance package, Woodhams
Author: Grant Woodhams
Published on: 10-November-2010
The Member for Moore, Grant Woodhams MLA has welcomed the Liberal-National Government’s approval of an additional $5million Dry Season Assistance Package for communities in up to 100 drought-affected shires.
Premier Colin Barnett and Agriculture and Food Minister Terry Redman announced today that the package was the first phase of State Government measures to help rural communities cope with one of the driest winters on record.
“The season is not only impacting farmers, but also rural communities and businesses,” Mr Woodhams said.
“I am pleased the Government understands the financial and emotional pressures resulting from the dry season and has acted accordingly.”
The additional funding measures announced today include:
- $2million for community service grants
- $1million social support grants
- $1million to install high-volume water tanks to assist fire response and water carting
- $500,000 to assist small businesses
- $200,000 rural financial counselling support.
The measures were all recommendations of the Dry Season Advisory Committee (DSAC), which includes representatives from WA Farmers, the Pastoralists and Graziers Association, local government, banks, farm consultants, rural support services and rural women.
“The installation of high-volume water tanks at standpipes is a very important measure. It will provide water for tackling bushfires and for emergency stock and domestic supplies,” Mr Woodhams said.
“I’m also very pleased with the assurance from the Premier that that all Government services, like schools, school bus runs, police and health services, would be maintained in affected areas.”
The funding is on top of more than $396million already invested in regional communities in the 2010-11 financial year through programs such as the Drought Pilot, Royalties for Regions, Wheatbelt Men’s Health program and investments through infrastructure commitments and services provided through departments.
