A WA parliamentary question seeks information on the uptake of financial assistance for farmers affected by Tropical Cyclone Clare and questions the effectiveness of the Department of Agriculture's response. It also proposes a specific fencing reconstruction fund.

AnsweredQoN 680Legislative Assembly
Asked
28 March 2006
Portfolio
Agriculture and Food

QuestionView source ↗

(1) How many farmers have accessed the $1,500 grant for consultation fee following flooding in country Western Australia following tropical cyclone Clare?
(2) How many farmers have accessed the 4% subsidy for interest rates on amounts of $150,000?
(3) Has the assistance administered by the Department of Agriculture delivered anything tangible to farmers?
(4) Will the Minister undertake to review the Western Australian Natural Disaster Assistance programme to make it deliver real and immediate assistance such as a “perimeter fencing reconstruction fund” to farmers?

AnswerView source ↗

Answered
2 May 2006
Responded by
Minister for Agriculture and Food
Response time
35 days
2. To date, four farmers have applied for interest subsidy on loans. Three have been approved and one is awaiting further information for assessment. 3. Yes. In addition to the direct assistance provided the Department of Agriculture and Food has provided advice to farmers on options for dealing with their situations following the floods. This included drainage issues, stock health and weed control. 4. The suggested assistance can be provided under the existing measures available to farmers under the Western Australian Natural Disaster Relief Arrangements (WANDRA) by way of access to loan funds. Land managers make their own decisions on how best to apply the funds, this is preferable to specific purpose funds which limit land manager's choices. The WANDRA does not provide compensation for damage or loss.
3. Yes. In addition to the direct assistance provided the Department of Agriculture and Food has provided advice to farmers on options for dealing with their situations following the floods. This included drainage issues, stock health and weed control. 4. The suggested assistance can be provided under the existing measures available to farmers under the Western Australian Natural Disaster Relief Arrangements (WANDRA) by way of access to loan funds. Land managers make their own decisions on how best to apply the funds, this is preferable to specific purpose funds which limit land manager's choices. The WANDRA does not provide compensation for damage or loss.
4. The suggested assistance can be provided under the existing measures available to farmers under the Western Australian Natural Disaster Relief Arrangements (WANDRA) by way of access to loan funds. Land managers make their own decisions on how best to apply the funds, this is preferable to specific purpose funds which limit land manager's choices. The WANDRA does not provide compensation for damage or loss.

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