Mond

Friday 6 October 2006

SYKES – LOBBIES STATE GOVERNMENT FOR FROST & TOBACCO ASSISTANCE

FROST The Nationals Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes, continued to lobby the State Government this week to ensure their commitment to assisting North East Victorian grape growers and orchardists hit by recent severe frosts.

Dr Sykes and his National colleagues raised the issue several times in parliament this week with key requests including:

• A $20,000 cash grant • Immediate application for Exceptional Circumstances • Financial counselling services

Dr Sykes said, “The Nationals certainly made the State Government aware of the extent of the frost problem and the impact on growers, employees and local businesses. The Nationals will continue to lobby the government to help affected families through this crisis”.

Minister for Agriculture, Bob Cameron is ensuring that Local Government and industry organisations are aware of what they need to do to submit an application for Exceptional Circumstances.

TOBACCO

Dr Sykes said, “Minister Cameron also advised me that the State Government would provide support for tobacco growers to make the transition to growing other crops, this would include assistance from the DPI.

Dr Sykes concluded, “Industry and the three levels of Government are working together on this issue – the challenge will be to provide prompt, appropriate and equitable support keeping in mind the very wide ranging impacts of frost and drought as well as low wine prices, the recent poor snow season and concerns about future of Mt. Buffalo Chalet.

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