More assistance for farmers affected by floods in Esperance and Ravensthorpe

8/3/07
The State Government today announced a joint assistance program with the Federal Government to further assist primary producers affected by the recent floods in Esperance and Ravensthorpe.
Primary producers affected by the WA Natural Disaster Relief Arrangements (WANDRA) declared event now have access to the Recovery Grants for Primary Producers Program under enhancements to the Australian Government NDRAs.
Agriculture and Food Minister Kim Chance said the decision to provide this additional assistance would aid the recovery of the Esperance and Ravensthorpe communities from the recent damaging floods.
Mr Chance said this additional assistance came as a direct result of his visit to the region and from consultation with the local community.
"This was the kind of additional assistance that was sought by the local community and identified at my meeting with the community at the Esperance Shire offices following the floods," he said.
Under the program primary producers are eligible for grants of $5,000 up to $15,000 to assist with clean-up, removal of debris and restoration of infrastructure.
To receive the maximum allocation of up to $15,000, primary producers must provide written quotations or tax invoices. However, grants of $5,000 are available through the presentation of a statutory declaration outlining the damage incurred.
Primary producers can access the Recovery Grants for Primary Producers Program under the Western Australian NDRA primary producer package.
The funding will be provided jointly by the State and Federal Governments.
The Minister said it was estimated stock losses, infrastructure damage and land erosion in the Esperance/Ravensthorpe flood totalled more than $5million and affected 250 properties.
"Department of Agriculture and Food staff have been working closely with primary producers in the region on recovery, and access to this additional assistance will certainly enhance these efforts," he said.
Mr Chance said that this was the first time the new measures had been invoked for a WA event following announcement of their availability by the Prime Minister in December 2006.
"The cost of implementing the extended NDRA funding will be shared equally between the State and Australian Governments," he said.
"The State Government welcomes the opportunity to help our primary producers recover from this severe event."
Information and application forms for the new Recovery Grants for Primary Producers Program are included with the WANDRA for primary producers information on the Department of Agriculture and Food website http://www.agric.wa.gov.au - click the WANDRA link on the homepage or phone 1800 198 231.

It should be noted that natural disaster relief arrangements do not provide compensation, nor does any other scheme or source, and that losses that could be claimed under insurance cannot be considered in a claim for NDRA assistance.
Minister's office - 9213 6700