Ballina Electorate Media Releases
FNC Producers Urged To Apply For Natural Disaster Assistance (28/10/2008)
Finally some good news for primary producers on the far north coast with Natural Disaster Relief Assistance available to those affected by a hailstorm last week.
The announcement yesterday by the New South Wales Primary Industries Minister, Ian Macdonald, has been welcomed by the Member for Ballina, Don Page.
“The hailstorm caused millions of dollars worth of damage to farms in a band between Tregeagle and Suffolk Park,” Mr Page said.
“It couldn’t have come at a worse time for some farmers who were harvesting stone fruit and blueberries,” he said.
“Many macadamia trees were stripped of their young nuts as well,” Mr Page said.
“Some producers have suffered terrible losses but now that the area has been declared a natural disaster zone, at least they are able to get access to some assistance,” Mr Page said.
“It’s a particularly difficult time for some producers who were also affected by hail storms last year.
“Some farmers in the area have lost between 50% and 100% of their crops,” Mr Page said.
“That equates to losing 50% to 100% of their incomes,” he said.
“Assistance is in the form of loans up to $130,000, at 2.85% interest per annum, with a two-year interest and repayment free period,” Mr Page said.
“Whilst the offer from the Government is welcomed, I am aware of instances where the assistance will not cover the cost of damages to some producers, particularly those who need to replace nets and where crop losses run into millions,” Mr Page said.
“Many will no longer be able to employ casual staff, and it could take them years to recover.
“The flow on affect in lost employment will be significant regardless of Government assistance,” he said.
“I urge all growers whose crops were damaged last week to speak to someone from the New South Wales Rural Assistance Authority to see if they are eligible for assistance,” Mr Page said.
“Information about Natural Disaster Relief Assistance is available from the New South Wales Rural Assistance Authority on 1800 678 593,” Mr Page said.
Mr Page said farmers who applied and received natural disaster assistance last year can still apply this year.
