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Monday, 6 March 2006 The Ricegrowers Association of Australia Inc (RGA) today welcomed the announcement by Minister Peter McGauran that the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) submission for Exceptional Circumstances (EC) for Murray Valley mixed irrigators has been successful in receiving a prima facie assistance. “This is a positive first step outcome for many irrigators in the Murray Valley who have been experiencing financial hardship due to the ongoing climatic conditions and provides some relief,” said Mr Laurie Arthur, President of the Ricegrowers’ Association of Australia. “The prima facie means that irrigators in the Murray Valley can apply for interim assistance through Centrelink for six months income support. This includes a significant number of rice growers who did not fit the criteria for the rice EC announced in 2005,” said Mr Arthur. “In announcing Prima Facie EC, the Federal Government has recognised the huge impact the drought has had on the mixed irrigators and places them on an equal footing with the rice and dairy industry’s who have previously been successful in receiving full EC,” said Mr Arthur. The RGA would like to acknowledge and thank Minister Peter McGauran and Minister Ian Macdonald and their respective staff for their work in assessing and announcing Prima Facie EC. A submission which receives prima facie is referred onto the National Resources Advisory Committee (NRAC) for independent analysis for full EC, with a further recommendation on this to Minister Peter McGauran expected to be announced within eight weeks. Mixed irrigators in the Murray Valley should contact their local Centrelink office or the Southern Riverina Rural Advisory Service in Deniliquin for further assistance. For more information contact: CONTACT |
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