State farm assistance available now

• State Government fast-tracks financial support payments for farmers

• First offers of payment to be made to farmers next week

• Minister urges farmers to lodge applications as soon as possible

The State Government has moved to fast-track financial support payments to broadacre farmers requiring urgent assistance.

Agriculture and Food Minister Ken Baston said the first farmers deemed eligible for a financial support grant would receive an offer of payment next week, and some shires have today received $10,000 community support grants.

Mr Baston said there had been strong demand for the State Government's $7.8million assistance package.

"We have received 77applications from broadacre farm businesses for $25,000 grants which form the farm support component of the package," he said.

"Payments are being brought forward to enable funds to flow as soon as possible, rather than wait until applications close on July 31.

"I urge farm businesses to apply as quickly as possible because the grants will now be administered on a first-in, first-funded basis with the scheme capped at $5million."

The Minister said many applications were still being assessed and in some cases assessors were going back to farmers seeking more information.

Mr Baston acknowledged it was a busy time for many growers with seeding under way, but he urged eligible farmers who would like to apply to contact free-call 1800 198 231.

"This will help them assess what's involved in making an application and understand the eligibility requirements," he said.

Other scheme components include $1.8million towards social support and rural counselling services, including $300,000 in community support grants; and up to $1million in farm exit support grants of $20,000.

"To date, five shires - Kellerberrin, Kulin, Corrigin, Narembeen and Yilgarn - have accepted $10,000 community support grants for events and activities which bring these communities together," the Minister said.

      Fact File

• Funding to be administered through Rural Business Development Corporation in conjunction with the Department of Agriculture and Food

• More information available at http://www.agric.wa.gov.au or free-call 1800 198 231

Minister's office - 6552 5400