Media Release from Bill Sykes MP






Mond T Wednesday, 21 June 2006 “DROUGHT” – HELP AVAILABLE FOR TOUGH DECISIONS Help is available for farmers faced with the tough management decisions needed to get through the current poor season according to Bill Sykes, Nationals Member for Benalla. Dr Sykes said, “Last night I joined local farmers at a meeting at Miepol organised by the Hume Corridor Community Health Service. “The purpose of the meeting was to alert local farmers to help which is available via Centrelink, Rural Financial Counsellors, the Department of Primary Industry and the Hume Corridor Community Health Service.” The services provided include technical information on feeding livestock, financial planning and how to access income support, council rate subsidies and interest rate relief. Dr Sykes stressed that people are also available to help those who feel the emotional strain of dealing with yet another tough season which follows on from seven to eight tough seasons in the past decade. Dr Sykes continued, “I encourage people to review their situation and develop a management plan with critical times and actions required. For example, if it doesn’t rain by 1 August, sell a mob of old ewes. “This plan needs to be continually reviewed and updated. The worst a person can do is not make a plan and put off making the hard decisions.” Dr Sykes went on to say that good livestock prices meant that selling of non-essential breeding stock is a good option. Cropping farmers may still be able to plant crops into the early spring and get a reasonable return. Dr Sykes continued, “I will be personally writing to the Federal Minister for Agriculture, Peter McGauran this week asking him to support applications for extension of current Exceptional Circumstances Status until at least August. This will provide continual access to support services whilst we get better idea on how the season may turn out.” Further meetings will be held at Baddaginnie Hall, Baddaginnie on Wednesday 21 June at 5:30pm, Balmattum Hall, Balmattum on Monday 26 June at 6:00pm, Caniambo Hall, Caniambo on 27 June at 6:00pm. Enquires can be made to Hume Corridor Community Health on 5736 6366 More information can be obtained from Centrelink ……………………….. Ph: 132316 DPI …………………….………… Ph:57 611 611 Hume Corridor Community Health Ph :03 5736 6366 Media contact: Bill Sykes (03) 5762 2100 or 0427 624 989