Mond

Tuesday, 26 September 2006

FROST DAMAGE: IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE NEEDED

Growers affected by this week’s frost damage to orchards and vineyards in North East Victoria need immediate confirmation of State Government assistance to recover from this natural disaster according to Nationals Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes.

Early reports of losses in excess of $100 million in the Goulburn Valley, Warby Ranges and Ovens and King Valleys come on top of frost damage to tobacco crops earlier this year, low wine prices, and impending drought and last week’s announcement of the end of the tobacco industry which generates $90 million per year to the local economy.

Dr Sykes said, “It is absolutely critical that the State Government responds urgently by first of all making a natural disaster declaration followed by support such as interest rate subsidies, access to financial counsellors, other support services and creation of appropriate employment opportunities.

“Country people are noted for their resilience but this wave of natural and commercial disasters is way outside normal expectation and as such affected people and communities must be supported emotionally and financially.

Dr Sykes concluded, “I have written to the Premier requesting his urgent action and I and my Nationals colleagues will pursue the issue in Parliament next week”.

Media contact: Bill Sykes (03) 5762 2100 or 0427 624 989