Financial scheme for pastoralists who lost windmills in Cyclone John.

21/12/99 Pastoralists who lost windmills in Cyclone John will be eligible for financial help through the State Government, Water Resources Minister Dr Kim Hames told Parliament today.

21/12/99


    Pastoralists who lost windmills in Cyclone John will be eligible for financial help through the State Government, Water Resources Minister Dr Kim Hames told Parliament today.
    Dr Hames said the scheme would be the same as that put in place following last year's Cyclone Vance.
    "While Cyclone John caused much less damage than Vance, where the damage bill came to over $1 million, an estimated 140 windmills between Whim Creek and Newman have been either damaged or destroyed," he said.
    "The properties most affected seem to be Mt Florence, Mallina, Warambie, Coolawanyah, Pyramid and Mulga Downs."
    Dr Hames said that under the recently announced Pastoral Water Grants Scheme, the Office of Water Regulation (OWR) would make $300,000 available towards replacing damaged windmills.
    "This information will be provided to Pastoralists' and Graziers' Association president Barry Court, who is visiting the area today with Senator Ross Lightfoot and Mining and Pastoral MLC Greg Smith," the Minister said.
    He said the scheme would be the same one suggested by Ningaloo MLA Rod Sweetman in the wake of Cyclone Vance.
    "Instead of simply providing another windmill, they could be replaced with new solar and pump technology," Dr Hames said.
    "Replacing an existing windmill costs about $8,000, which is about the cost of installing a new solar pumped water point.
    "This technology is replacing the old-style mill around WA so it makes sense to take the opportunity to move with the times, rather than simply replace outdated equipment.
    "Solar systems are a lot less labour intensive and do not present the worksafe issues windmills do."
    Assistance will be offered on a 50-50 shared basis between pastoralists and the Government through the Office of Water Regulation.
    Pastoralists' share may be an insurance pay-out on damaged water supply infrastructure, cash or in-kind contributions.
    Grants of up to $4,000 per replacement will be available.
    Information and application forms can be obtained from the Office of Water Regulation on 9213 0100.
    Applications must be lodged with OWR before March 31, 2000.
    Media contact: Caroline Lacy 9424 7450