The Deputy Prime Minister, John Anderson, and the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Warren Truss, have today announced that the Federal Coalition Government will assist northern NSW dairy farmers affected by the recent severe rains and flooding. Dairy farmers in this region have been targeted for additional Federal assistance because they have been badly affected by State deregulation of the dairy industry, and may find it difficult to recover from further losses caused by the floods. Following my visit to the region last week I am pleased that the Federal Coalition has moved very quickly to assist dairy farmers. The region cannot afford the loss of farmers and jobs that would follow if production was shut down.
Farmers can choose to use the grant to purchase fodder or to re-sow damaged pastures.
Dairy farmers in the shires declared in November 2000 will also be eligible for the grant. A list of declared shires is attached. Applications will close on 30 May 2001.