Shire identifying drought programs
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East Gippsland Shire Council is continuing its work in preparation for the release of criteria that will accompany financial assistance to support local drought-affected farmers and their communities.
Shire Chief Executive Officer Gary Gaffney on Tuesday had an audience with visiting State Minister for Agriculture Jaala Pulford, thanking the Minister for visiting drought-affected farmers.
East Gippsland and Wellington shires were the two Victorian councils last week listed as eligible to receive up to $1 million each to deliver projects to stimulate drought-affected communities.
“Council is working with a number of local agencies to tailor packages that may fit within the guidelines of the recently announced $1 million in Federal Government financial assistance for drought-affected farmers,” Mr Gaffney said.
The group of agencies has met twice, the first following a meeting with Minister Pulford, Mayor Cr Joe Rettino and the CEO last Wednesday at Parliament House, and the second yesterday following the Minister’s visit to drought-affected farmers.
“The group is distilling ideas, put forward by the industry following meetings held with Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester and State Member for Gippsland East Tim Bull, into packages that may fit the funding criteria when released,” Mr Gaffney said.
Council has in place a farm rate reduction and urged anyone experiencing payment difficulties to make contact as soon as possible. Applications for assistance are considered on a case-by-case basis and alternative payment arrangements may be offered.
Bryan McCormack (Workways Australia CEO), Gary Gaffney (East Gippsland Shire Council CEO), Graeme Dear (East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority CEO), Wayne Jefferis (Rural Financial Counsellor), Melissa Ferguson (Gippsland Farmer Relief CEO) and Anthony Moore (electorate officer, Member for Gippsland East) discuss potential drought programs at the Corporate Centre on Wednesday.