Western Australia Minister for Agriculture and Food Terry Redman

Immediate Information Important for Decision Making

Victor P Taffa

Agriculture and Food Minister Terry Redman said the State Government was committed to ensuring farmers had access to the most up-to-date and relevant information to assist in making decisions relating to the dry season.

Speaking today at the Dowerin Field Days, Mr Redman said farmers would have the opportunity to talk one-on-one with Department of Agriculture and Food staff about dry season issues during the two-day event.

“The State Government and the department are determined to work closely with farmers to ensure they have access to planning, budgeting, financial, health and other support information to deal with immediate issues as well as develop plans for the future.” Mr. Redman said.

“Staff at the department’s field day exhibition shed will be available to discuss a range of issues relating to cropping, pastures, livestock and natural resource management.”

“Representatives from Wheatbelt Men’s Health and Centrelink will also be available to talk to farmers, and the Federal Government Mobile Service Unit will provide information on assistance available through the drought pilot program.”

The Minister said as part of the commitment to deliver timely information, a comprehensive dry season package had been developed on the department’s website.

“By accessing the dry season page, farmers have immediate access to information relating to crops, pastures, livestock, natural resource management and climate.” the Minister said.

“Importantly, there is also information on the health, financial and other support services available to them and their families.”

“Local department contacts for each region are also provided so farmers can seek advice on issues relating to their specific area.” Mr. Redman said.

Farmers can visit the dry season website at http://www.agric.wa.gov.au – click on Dealing with the dry season 2010 under ‘hot topics’.

This information complements the joint Federal and State Government Pilot Program looking at a new approach to drought assistance already under way in Western Australia.

Information on the pilot program is available from http://www.daff.gov.au/droughtpilot or by phoning 13 23 16.

The department’s exhibition shed at the Dowerin Field Days is located at site 219.

Western Australia Minister for Agriculture and Food Terry Redman

Redman wins drought reform pilot for WA

Victor P Taffa

Western Australia will join with the Federal Government to trial a new approach to drought assistance in a bid to build a more secure future for the agriculture industry.

WA Agriculture and Food Minister Terry Redman and Federal Agriculture Minister Tony Burke today announced a pilot of reform measures aimed at preparing farm businesses and rural communities for the future challenges. 

“WA farmers have not been well served by the Exceptional Circumstances arrangements in the past.” Mr Redman said.

“I requested in June 2009 that a drought reform trial be conducted in Western Australia and have been working consistently since with Mr Burke. This is a step in the right direction as the national drought reform process continues.”

“This is an opportunity for West Australian farmers to develop new skills and for farming communities to plan for their future.” Mr. Redman said.

“The crux of these measures is about preparation and building resilient businesses, instead of waiting for a crisis and reacting after the fact. We need to move to a mind-set of being proactive, rather than reactive when it comes to tough times in agriculture.” Mr. Redman said.

The pilot has three broad aims; to strengthen farm businesses, sustain farming families and build resilient rural communities.

It consists of seven major components:

• Farm Planning: assistance for farmers to undertake a program of training to enhance their skills in business planning;

• Building Farm Businesses: grants of up to $60,000 to help farmers better manage and prepare for future challenges;

• Farm Family Support: income support to help families meet basic household needs;

• Stronger Rural Communities: grants of up to $300,000 for eligible local groups experiencing significant hardship due to an agricultural downturn to build the resilience of their rural community and assist them to manage future hardship;

• Farm Social Support: a better co-ordinated social support network to meet mental health, counselling and social needs of farming families and rural communities;

• Farm Exit Support: grants of up to $170,000 to support farmers who decide to sell their farm, including retraining and relocation expenses;

• Beyond Farming: a program for farmers who want to know more about opportunities that arise when they sell up or retire.

The WA Government will fund and administer the Farm Planning component of the trial and will administer the Building Farm Businesses component. 

The pilot region has been selected based on previous recipients of Exceptional Circumstances (EC) and extends from Karratha to Esperance.

Mr Redman emphasised this was a genuine pilot starting on July 1, 2010 and ending June 30, 2011, although Building Farm Business grants will be spread over four years.

 “I encourage farmers to get involved in the pilot and give feedback on the usefulness of its measures. This program will assist businesses and communities to respond and adapt to the tough financial times they are experiencing right now, as well as plan for the future.” Mr. Redman said.

 “This is part of the State Government’s approach to ensuring that maintaining productivity and profitability is at the forefront of government policy, even during difficult times.”

 “Under the agreement the Western Australian Government will not be able to apply for an EC declaration during the period July 1, 2010 to June 30, 2011.”

“It is a good time to pilot these new measures while no area of WA is drought-declared and farmers can use this opportunity to prepare for tough times that may arise in the future.” Mr. Redman said.

“The pilot is a chance for West Australian farmers and their families to access more generous support through training and grants, and social welfare safety net sooner, rather than waiting for the slow, bureaucratic EC application process.”

“I am also pleased that the Federal Government listened to the WA Government’s requests to allow for a more generous assets test for WA farmers as part of the pilot.” Mr. Redman said.

For more information please contact 13 23 16 or visit the website http://www.daff.gov.au/droughtpilot