❓ Hon Bill Stretch asks about the extent of storm damage to agriculture and infrastructure in the south-west, and requests an assistance package for affected farmers. Hon Kim Chance acknowledges the severity, outlines ongoing assessment, and discusses potential support measures, while noting limitations.
AnsweredQoN 50Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to the minister’s comment reported in today’s The West Australian in the article headed “WA’s $8m farming disaster”. Although I agree with his comments that the heavy and widespread rains did provide a copybook opening for the season for broadacre croppers, I note that the article states that it also resulted in the deaths of 100 000 sheep, some farmers in the prime wool-producing areas losing all of last year’s lambs and Albany’s seed potato industry losing 70 per cent of the region’s annual production, and that vignerons are still assessing damage. (1) Has the minister fully assessed the widespread storm damage to - (a) sheep flocks, vineyards and crops; and (b) farm and local government roads, and rail and power infrastructure in the south west of the state? (2) With regard to the serious losses of young replacement sheep and valuable breeding ewes, the financial effects of which will not emerge for up to two years, will the minister give urgent consideration to making available an assistance package for affected farmers that includes - (a) assistance with strategy planning for alternative income streams; (b) transport assistance for fodder to stressed animals for the next month; (c) loan restructuring for farmers who cannot reasonably build medium-term income generation into their strategic plans; and (d) income support for those farmers who lost stock and produce already prepared for imminent sale? Hon KIM CHANCE
AnswerView source ↗
I thank Hon Bill Stretch for some notice of this question. He has certainly highlighted what is a serious problem for farmers in the southern part of our state. Although I did provide a Western Australian journalist with the comments that were attributed to me, it was a different journalist from that who wrote the article, and there was a mismatch about the way my point of view was expressed. (1)(a-b) What significantly was missed in the article is dealt with by Hon Bill Stretch in the first part of the question in which he asked, “has the minister fully assessed the widespread storm damage to . . .” and then listed a range of activities and commodities. The short answer to that is no. I have received reports from the Department of Agriculture such as they exist now and in my discussions yesterday with the director general of agriculture. We have agreed that over this week a very thorough canvassing of the situation will take place, and that should now be under way. However, it is possible that we will not know the entire scope of the damage within a week. That does not apply to sheep losses, which we should know about within the week; it applies only to the wine industry. The skin-splitting problem, which can occur because of rain of this nature, may or may not occur, depending upon the climatic conditions over the next week. Seed potatoes fall in about the middle of that range. I have spoken to a potato expert from the other house - Mr Paul Omodei - who has informed me that it would be very difficult to tell just yet what kind of losses will occur. Potatoes can withstand a 24-hour inundation, but if the ground dries quickly, there is a chance that - Hon Barry House : He is qualified to tell you about the grape losses also. Hon KIM CHANCE : Even with all his knowledge of the viticultural industry, Mr Paul Omodei could not give me an answer to that in less than a week or so. Getting those facts will take some time. The situation regarding the sheep will be known within a week. Questions concerning the assessment of damage to farms, local government roads and rail and power infrastructure in the south west of the state should be asked of other ministers, in particular the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development and the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure. However, the first indications are that the damage to public infrastructure has been remarkably light given the extent of the flooding. Hon Bill Stretch : Broomehill is a major grain rail route. Hon KIM CHANCE : Road damage has occurred, but it has been less than normally would be expected. (2) (a) I believe the government can provide assistance in that area. I will discuss that matter with the department once the situation is better understood. (b) The answer to this question probably falls within the same scope, although that will depend also on advice from the Western Australian Farmers Federation and the Pastoralists and Graziers Association. Hon Bill Stretch : That needs to be done very quickly. Hon KIM CHANCE : Yes, but we need to get advice. (c) The state does not have the capacity to do that as the Rural Adjustment and Finance Corporation was abolished. (d) This matter relates to exceptional circumstances. Again, I would need to discuss that with the agency. The member is aware that the qualification for exceptional circumstances relies on those circumstances being repeated. It is a difficult situation for farmers in the south, and they have our sympathy. Where we can support them, we will. However, having said that, I do not think we should be entirely negative about the scale and scope of the opening rains, which are the best the state has seen for a long time. The PRESIDENT: I acknowledge the presence in the President’s gallery of former President Griffiths.
(1) Has the minister fully assessed the widespread storm damage to - (a) sheep flocks, vineyards and crops; and (b) farm and local government roads, and rail and power infrastructure in the south west of the state? (2) With regard to the serious losses of young replacement sheep and valuable breeding ewes, the financial effects of which will not emerge for up to two years, will the minister give urgent consideration to making available an assistance package for affected farmers that includes - (a) assistance with strategy planning for alternative income streams; (b) transport assistance for fodder to stressed animals for the next month; (c) loan restructuring for farmers who cannot reasonably build medium-term income generation into their strategic plans; and (d) income support for those farmers who lost stock and produce already prepared for imminent sale? Hon KIM CHANCE replied: I thank Hon Bill Stretch for some notice of this question. He has certainly highlighted what is a serious problem for farmers in the southern part of our state. Although I did provide a Western Australian journalist with the comments that were attributed to me, it was a different journalist from that who wrote the article, and there was a mismatch about the way my point of view was expressed. (1)(a-b) What significantly was missed in the article is dealt with by Hon Bill Stretch in the first part of the question in which he asked, “has the minister fully assessed the widespread storm damage to . . .” and then listed a range of activities and commodities. The short answer to that is no. I have received reports from the Department of Agriculture such as they exist now and in my discussions yesterday with the director general of agriculture. We have agreed that over this week a very thorough canvassing of the situation will take place, and that should now be under way. However, it is possible that we will not know the entire scope of the damage within a week. That does not apply to sheep losses, which we should know about within the week; it applies only to the wine industry. The skin-splitting problem, which can occur because of rain of this nature, may or may not occur, depending upon the climatic conditions over the next week. Seed potatoes fall in about the middle of that range. I have spoken to a potato expert from the other house - Mr Paul Omodei - who has informed me that it would be very difficult to tell just yet what kind of losses will occur. Potatoes can withstand a 24-hour inundation, but if the ground dries quickly, there is a chance that - Hon Barry House : He is qualified to tell you about the grape losses also. Hon KIM CHANCE : Even with all his knowledge of the viticultural industry, Mr Paul Omodei could not give me an answer to that in less than a week or so. Getting those facts will take some time. The situation regarding the sheep will be known within a week. Questions concerning the assessment of damage to farms, local government roads and rail and power infrastructure in the south west of the state should be asked of other ministers, in particular the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development and the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure. However, the first indications are that the damage to public infrastructure has been remarkably light given the extent of the flooding. Hon Bill Stretch : Broomehill is a major grain rail route. Hon KIM CHANCE : Road damage has occurred, but it has been less than normally would be expected. (2) (a) I believe the government can provide assistance in that area. I will discuss that matter with the department once the situation is better understood. (b) The answer to this question probably falls within the same scope, although that will depend also on advice from the Western Australian Farmers Federation and the Pastoralists and Graziers Association. Hon Bill Stretch : That needs to be done very quickly. Hon KIM CHANCE : Yes, but we need to get advice. (c) The state does not have the capacity to do that as the Rural Adjustment and Finance Corporation was abolished. (d) This matter relates to exceptional circumstances. Again, I would need to discuss that with the agency. The member is aware that the qualification for exceptional circumstances relies on those circumstances being repeated. It is a difficult situation for farmers in the south, and they have our sympathy. Where we can support them, we will. However, having said that, I do not think we should be entirely negative about the scale and scope of the opening rains, which are the best the state has seen for a long time. The PRESIDENT: I acknowledge the presence in the President’s gallery of former President Griffiths.
(b) farm and local government roads, and rail and power infrastructure in the south west of the state?
(b) transport assistance for fodder to stressed animals for the next month; (c) loan restructuring for farmers who cannot reasonably build medium-term income generation into their strategic plans; and (d) income support for those farmers who lost stock and produce already prepared for imminent sale?
(c) loan restructuring for farmers who cannot reasonably build medium-term income generation into their strategic plans; and (d) income support for those farmers who lost stock and produce already prepared for imminent sale?
(d) income support for those farmers who lost stock and produce already prepared for imminent sale?
I thank Hon Bill Stretch for some notice of this question. He has certainly highlighted what is a serious problem for farmers in the southern part of our state. Although I did provide a Western Australian journalist with the comments that were attributed to me, it was a different journalist from that who wrote the article, and there was a mismatch about the way my point of view was expressed. (1)(a-b) What significantly was missed in the article is dealt with by Hon Bill Stretch in the first part of the question in which he asked, “has the minister fully assessed the widespread storm damage to . . .” and then listed a range of activities and commodities. The short answer to that is no. I have received reports from the Department of Agriculture such as they exist now and in my discussions yesterday with the director general of agriculture. We have agreed that over this week a very thorough canvassing of the situation will take place, and that should now be under way. However, it is possible that we will not know the entire scope of the damage within a week. That does not apply to sheep losses, which we should know about within the week; it applies only to the wine industry. The skin-splitting problem, which can occur because of rain of this nature, may or may not occur, depending upon the climatic conditions over the next week. Seed potatoes fall in about the middle of that range. I have spoken to a potato expert from the other house - Mr Paul Omodei - who has informed me that it would be very difficult to tell just yet what kind of losses will occur. Potatoes can withstand a 24-hour inundation, but if the ground dries quickly, there is a chance that - Hon Barry House : He is qualified to tell you about the grape losses also. Hon KIM CHANCE : Even with all his knowledge of the viticultural industry, Mr Paul Omodei could not give me an answer to that in less than a week or so. Getting those facts will take some time. The situation regarding the sheep will be known within a week. Questions concerning the assessment of damage to farms, local government roads and rail and power infrastructure in the south west of the state should be asked of other ministers, in particular the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development and the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure. However, the first indications are that the damage to public infrastructure has been remarkably light given the extent of the flooding. Hon Bill Stretch : Broomehill is a major grain rail route. Hon KIM CHANCE : Road damage has occurred, but it has been less than normally would be expected. (2) (a) I believe the government can provide assistance in that area. I will discuss that matter with the department once the situation is better understood. (b) The answer to this question probably falls within the same scope, although that will depend also on advice from the Western Australian Farmers Federation and the Pastoralists and Graziers Association. Hon Bill Stretch : That needs to be done very quickly. Hon KIM CHANCE : Yes, but we need to get advice. (c) The state does not have the capacity to do that as the Rural Adjustment and Finance Corporation was abolished. (d) This matter relates to exceptional circumstances. Again, I would need to discuss that with the agency. The member is aware that the qualification for exceptional circumstances relies on those circumstances being repeated. It is a difficult situation for farmers in the south, and they have our sympathy. Where we can support them, we will. However, having said that, I do not think we should be entirely negative about the scale and scope of the opening rains, which are the best the state has seen for a long time. The PRESIDENT: I acknowledge the presence in the President’s gallery of former President Griffiths.
(1)(a-b) What significantly was missed in the article is dealt with by Hon Bill Stretch in the first part of the question in which he asked, “has the minister fully assessed the widespread storm damage to . . .” and then listed a range of activities and commodities. The short answer to that is no. I have received reports from the Department of Agriculture such as they exist now and in my discussions yesterday with the director general of agriculture. We have agreed that over this week a very thorough canvassing of the situation will take place, and that should now be under way. However, it is possible that we will not know the entire scope of the damage within a week. That does not apply to sheep losses, which we should know about within the week; it applies only to the wine industry. The skin-splitting problem, which can occur because of rain of this nature, may or may not occur, depending upon the climatic conditions over the next week. Seed potatoes fall in about the middle of that range. I have spoken to a potato expert from the other house - Mr Paul Omodei - who has informed me that it would be very difficult to tell just yet what kind of losses will occur. Potatoes can withstand a 24-hour inundation, but if the ground dries quickly, there is a chance that - Hon Barry House : He is qualified to tell you about the grape losses also. Hon KIM CHANCE : Even with all his knowledge of the viticultural industry, Mr Paul Omodei could not give me an answer to that in less than a week or so. Getting those facts will take some time. The situation regarding the sheep will be known within a week. Questions concerning the assessment of damage to farms, local government roads and rail and power infrastructure in the south west of the state should be asked of other ministers, in particular the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development and the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure. However, the first indications are that the damage to public infrastructure has been remarkably light given the extent of the flooding. Hon Bill Stretch : Broomehill is a major grain rail route. Hon KIM CHANCE : Road damage has occurred, but it has been less than normally would be expected. (2) (a) I believe the government can provide assistance in that area. I will discuss that matter with the department once the situation is better understood. (b) The answer to this question probably falls within the same scope, although that will depend also on advice from the Western Australian Farmers Federation and the Pastoralists and Graziers Association. Hon Bill Stretch : That needs to be done very quickly. Hon KIM CHANCE : Yes, but we need to get advice. (c) The state does not have the capacity to do that as the Rural Adjustment and Finance Corporation was abolished. (d) This matter relates to exceptional circumstances. Again, I would need to discuss that with the agency. The member is aware that the qualification for exceptional circumstances relies on those circumstances being repeated. It is a difficult situation for farmers in the south, and they have our sympathy. Where we can support them, we will. However, having said that, I do not think we should be entirely negative about the scale and scope of the opening rains, which are the best the state has seen for a long time. The PRESIDENT: I acknowledge the presence in the President’s gallery of former President Griffiths.
Hon Barry House : He is qualified to tell you about the grape losses also. Hon KIM CHANCE : Even with all his knowledge of the viticultural industry, Mr Paul Omodei could not give me an answer to that in less than a week or so. Getting those facts will take some time. The situation regarding the sheep will be known within a week. Questions concerning the assessment of damage to farms, local government roads and rail and power infrastructure in the south west of the state should be asked of other ministers, in particular the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development and the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure. However, the first indications are that the damage to public infrastructure has been remarkably light given the extent of the flooding. Hon Bill Stretch : Broomehill is a major grain rail route. Hon KIM CHANCE : Road damage has occurred, but it has been less than normally would be expected. (2) (a) I believe the government can provide assistance in that area. I will discuss that matter with the department once the situation is better understood. (b) The answer to this question probably falls within the same scope, although that will depend also on advice from the Western Australian Farmers Federation and the Pastoralists and Graziers Association. Hon Bill Stretch : That needs to be done very quickly. Hon KIM CHANCE : Yes, but we need to get advice. (c) The state does not have the capacity to do that as the Rural Adjustment and Finance Corporation was abolished. (d) This matter relates to exceptional circumstances. Again, I would need to discuss that with the agency. The member is aware that the qualification for exceptional circumstances relies on those circumstances being repeated. It is a difficult situation for farmers in the south, and they have our sympathy. Where we can support them, we will. However, having said that, I do not think we should be entirely negative about the scale and scope of the opening rains, which are the best the state has seen for a long time. The PRESIDENT: I acknowledge the presence in the President’s gallery of former President Griffiths.
Hon KIM CHANCE : Even with all his knowledge of the viticultural industry, Mr Paul Omodei could not give me an answer to that in less than a week or so. Getting those facts will take some time. The situation regarding the sheep will be known within a week. Questions concerning the assessment of damage to farms, local government roads and rail and power infrastructure in the south west of the state should be asked of other ministers, in particular the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development and the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure. However, the first indications are that the damage to public infrastructure has been remarkably light given the extent of the flooding. Hon Bill Stretch : Broomehill is a major grain rail route. Hon KIM CHANCE : Road damage has occurred, but it has been less than normally would be expected. (2) (a) I believe the government can provide assistance in that area. I will discuss that matter with the department once the situation is better understood. (b) The answer to this question probably falls within the same scope, although that will depend also on advice from the Western Australian Farmers Federation and the Pastoralists and Graziers Association. Hon Bill Stretch : That needs to be done very quickly. Hon KIM CHANCE : Yes, but we need to get advice. (c) The state does not have the capacity to do that as the Rural Adjustment and Finance Corporation was abolished. (d) This matter relates to exceptional circumstances. Again, I would need to discuss that with the agency. The member is aware that the qualification for exceptional circumstances relies on those circumstances being repeated. It is a difficult situation for farmers in the south, and they have our sympathy. Where we can support them, we will. However, having said that, I do not think we should be entirely negative about the scale and scope of the opening rains, which are the best the state has seen for a long time. The PRESIDENT: I acknowledge the presence in the President’s gallery of former President Griffiths.
Questions concerning the assessment of damage to farms, local government roads and rail and power infrastructure in the south west of the state should be asked of other ministers, in particular the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development and the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure. However, the first indications are that the damage to public infrastructure has been remarkably light given the extent of the flooding. Hon Bill Stretch : Broomehill is a major grain rail route. Hon KIM CHANCE : Road damage has occurred, but it has been less than normally would be expected. (2) (a) I believe the government can provide assistance in that area. I will discuss that matter with the department once the situation is better understood. (b) The answer to this question probably falls within the same scope, although that will depend also on advice from the Western Australian Farmers Federation and the Pastoralists and Graziers Association. Hon Bill Stretch : That needs to be done very quickly. Hon KIM CHANCE : Yes, but we need to get advice. (c) The state does not have the capacity to do that as the Rural Adjustment and Finance Corporation was abolished. (d) This matter relates to exceptional circumstances. Again, I would need to discuss that with the agency. The member is aware that the qualification for exceptional circumstances relies on those circumstances being repeated. It is a difficult situation for farmers in the south, and they have our sympathy. Where we can support them, we will. However, having said that, I do not think we should be entirely negative about the scale and scope of the opening rains, which are the best the state has seen for a long time. The PRESIDENT: I acknowledge the presence in the President’s gallery of former President Griffiths.
Hon Bill Stretch : Broomehill is a major grain rail route. Hon KIM CHANCE : Road damage has occurred, but it has been less than normally would be expected. (2) (a) I believe the government can provide assistance in that area. I will discuss that matter with the department once the situation is better understood. (b) The answer to this question probably falls within the same scope, although that will depend also on advice from the Western Australian Farmers Federation and the Pastoralists and Graziers Association. Hon Bill Stretch : That needs to be done very quickly. Hon KIM CHANCE : Yes, but we need to get advice. (c) The state does not have the capacity to do that as the Rural Adjustment and Finance Corporation was abolished. (d) This matter relates to exceptional circumstances. Again, I would need to discuss that with the agency. The member is aware that the qualification for exceptional circumstances relies on those circumstances being repeated. It is a difficult situation for farmers in the south, and they have our sympathy. Where we can support them, we will. However, having said that, I do not think we should be entirely negative about the scale and scope of the opening rains, which are the best the state has seen for a long time. The PRESIDENT: I acknowledge the presence in the President’s gallery of former President Griffiths.
Hon KIM CHANCE : Road damage has occurred, but it has been less than normally would be expected. (2) (a) I believe the government can provide assistance in that area. I will discuss that matter with the department once the situation is better understood. (b) The answer to this question probably falls within the same scope, although that will depend also on advice from the Western Australian Farmers Federation and the Pastoralists and Graziers Association. Hon Bill Stretch : That needs to be done very quickly. Hon KIM CHANCE : Yes, but we need to get advice. (c) The state does not have the capacity to do that as the Rural Adjustment and Finance Corporation was abolished. (d) This matter relates to exceptional circumstances. Again, I would need to discuss that with the agency. The member is aware that the qualification for exceptional circumstances relies on those circumstances being repeated. It is a difficult situation for farmers in the south, and they have our sympathy. Where we can support them, we will. However, having said that, I do not think we should be entirely negative about the scale and scope of the opening rains, which are the best the state has seen for a long time. The PRESIDENT: I acknowledge the presence in the President’s gallery of former President Griffiths.
(2) (a) I believe the government can provide assistance in that area. I will discuss that matter with the department once the situation is better understood. (b) The answer to this question probably falls within the same scope, although that will depend also on advice from the Western Australian Farmers Federation and the Pastoralists and Graziers Association. Hon Bill Stretch : That needs to be done very quickly. Hon KIM CHANCE : Yes, but we need to get advice. (c) The state does not have the capacity to do that as the Rural Adjustment and Finance Corporation was abolished. (d) This matter relates to exceptional circumstances. Again, I would need to discuss that with the agency. The member is aware that the qualification for exceptional circumstances relies on those circumstances being repeated. It is a difficult situation for farmers in the south, and they have our sympathy. Where we can support them, we will. However, having said that, I do not think we should be entirely negative about the scale and scope of the opening rains, which are the best the state has seen for a long time. The PRESIDENT: I acknowledge the presence in the President’s gallery of former President Griffiths.
Hon KIM CHANCE : Yes, but we need to get advice. (c) The state does not have the capacity to do that as the Rural Adjustment and Finance Corporation was abolished. (d) This matter relates to exceptional circumstances. Again, I would need to discuss that with the agency. The member is aware that the qualification for exceptional circumstances relies on those circumstances being repeated. It is a difficult situation for farmers in the south, and they have our sympathy. Where we can support them, we will. However, having said that, I do not think we should be entirely negative about the scale and scope of the opening rains, which are the best the state has seen for a long time. The PRESIDENT: I acknowledge the presence in the President’s gallery of former President Griffiths.
(d) This matter relates to exceptional circumstances. Again, I would need to discuss that with the agency. The member is aware that the qualification for exceptional circumstances relies on those circumstances being repeated. It is a difficult situation for farmers in the south, and they have our sympathy. Where we can support them, we will. However, having said that, I do not think we should be entirely negative about the scale and scope of the opening rains, which are the best the state has seen for a long time.
(1) Has the minister fully assessed the widespread storm damage to - (a) sheep flocks, vineyards and crops; and (b) farm and local government roads, and rail and power infrastructure in the south west of the state? (2) With regard to the serious losses of young replacement sheep and valuable breeding ewes, the financial effects of which will not emerge for up to two years, will the minister give urgent consideration to making available an assistance package for affected farmers that includes - (a) assistance with strategy planning for alternative income streams; (b) transport assistance for fodder to stressed animals for the next month; (c) loan restructuring for farmers who cannot reasonably build medium-term income generation into their strategic plans; and (d) income support for those farmers who lost stock and produce already prepared for imminent sale? Hon KIM CHANCE replied: I thank Hon Bill Stretch for some notice of this question. He has certainly highlighted what is a serious problem for farmers in the southern part of our state. Although I did provide a Western Australian journalist with the comments that were attributed to me, it was a different journalist from that who wrote the article, and there was a mismatch about the way my point of view was expressed. (1)(a-b) What significantly was missed in the article is dealt with by Hon Bill Stretch in the first part of the question in which he asked, “has the minister fully assessed the widespread storm damage to . . .” and then listed a range of activities and commodities. The short answer to that is no. I have received reports from the Department of Agriculture such as they exist now and in my discussions yesterday with the director general of agriculture. We have agreed that over this week a very thorough canvassing of the situation will take place, and that should now be under way. However, it is possible that we will not know the entire scope of the damage within a week. That does not apply to sheep losses, which we should know about within the week; it applies only to the wine industry. The skin-splitting problem, which can occur because of rain of this nature, may or may not occur, depending upon the climatic conditions over the next week. Seed potatoes fall in about the middle of that range. I have spoken to a potato expert from the other house - Mr Paul Omodei - who has informed me that it would be very difficult to tell just yet what kind of losses will occur. Potatoes can withstand a 24-hour inundation, but if the ground dries quickly, there is a chance that - Hon Barry House : He is qualified to tell you about the grape losses also. Hon KIM CHANCE : Even with all his knowledge of the viticultural industry, Mr Paul Omodei could not give me an answer to that in less than a week or so. Getting those facts will take some time. The situation regarding the sheep will be known within a week. Questions concerning the assessment of damage to farms, local government roads and rail and power infrastructure in the south west of the state should be asked of other ministers, in particular the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development and the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure. However, the first indications are that the damage to public infrastructure has been remarkably light given the extent of the flooding. Hon Bill Stretch : Broomehill is a major grain rail route. Hon KIM CHANCE : Road damage has occurred, but it has been less than normally would be expected. (2) (a) I believe the government can provide assistance in that area. I will discuss that matter with the department once the situation is better understood. (b) The answer to this question probably falls within the same scope, although that will depend also on advice from the Western Australian Farmers Federation and the Pastoralists and Graziers Association. Hon Bill Stretch : That needs to be done very quickly. Hon KIM CHANCE : Yes, but we need to get advice. (c) The state does not have the capacity to do that as the Rural Adjustment and Finance Corporation was abolished. (d) This matter relates to exceptional circumstances. Again, I would need to discuss that with the agency. The member is aware that the qualification for exceptional circumstances relies on those circumstances being repeated. It is a difficult situation for farmers in the south, and they have our sympathy. Where we can support them, we will. However, having said that, I do not think we should be entirely negative about the scale and scope of the opening rains, which are the best the state has seen for a long time. The PRESIDENT: I acknowledge the presence in the President’s gallery of former President Griffiths.
(b) farm and local government roads, and rail and power infrastructure in the south west of the state?
(b) transport assistance for fodder to stressed animals for the next month; (c) loan restructuring for farmers who cannot reasonably build medium-term income generation into their strategic plans; and (d) income support for those farmers who lost stock and produce already prepared for imminent sale?
(c) loan restructuring for farmers who cannot reasonably build medium-term income generation into their strategic plans; and (d) income support for those farmers who lost stock and produce already prepared for imminent sale?
(d) income support for those farmers who lost stock and produce already prepared for imminent sale?
I thank Hon Bill Stretch for some notice of this question. He has certainly highlighted what is a serious problem for farmers in the southern part of our state. Although I did provide a Western Australian journalist with the comments that were attributed to me, it was a different journalist from that who wrote the article, and there was a mismatch about the way my point of view was expressed. (1)(a-b) What significantly was missed in the article is dealt with by Hon Bill Stretch in the first part of the question in which he asked, “has the minister fully assessed the widespread storm damage to . . .” and then listed a range of activities and commodities. The short answer to that is no. I have received reports from the Department of Agriculture such as they exist now and in my discussions yesterday with the director general of agriculture. We have agreed that over this week a very thorough canvassing of the situation will take place, and that should now be under way. However, it is possible that we will not know the entire scope of the damage within a week. That does not apply to sheep losses, which we should know about within the week; it applies only to the wine industry. The skin-splitting problem, which can occur because of rain of this nature, may or may not occur, depending upon the climatic conditions over the next week. Seed potatoes fall in about the middle of that range. I have spoken to a potato expert from the other house - Mr Paul Omodei - who has informed me that it would be very difficult to tell just yet what kind of losses will occur. Potatoes can withstand a 24-hour inundation, but if the ground dries quickly, there is a chance that - Hon Barry House : He is qualified to tell you about the grape losses also. Hon KIM CHANCE : Even with all his knowledge of the viticultural industry, Mr Paul Omodei could not give me an answer to that in less than a week or so. Getting those facts will take some time. The situation regarding the sheep will be known within a week. Questions concerning the assessment of damage to farms, local government roads and rail and power infrastructure in the south west of the state should be asked of other ministers, in particular the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development and the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure. However, the first indications are that the damage to public infrastructure has been remarkably light given the extent of the flooding. Hon Bill Stretch : Broomehill is a major grain rail route. Hon KIM CHANCE : Road damage has occurred, but it has been less than normally would be expected. (2) (a) I believe the government can provide assistance in that area. I will discuss that matter with the department once the situation is better understood. (b) The answer to this question probably falls within the same scope, although that will depend also on advice from the Western Australian Farmers Federation and the Pastoralists and Graziers Association. Hon Bill Stretch : That needs to be done very quickly. Hon KIM CHANCE : Yes, but we need to get advice. (c) The state does not have the capacity to do that as the Rural Adjustment and Finance Corporation was abolished. (d) This matter relates to exceptional circumstances. Again, I would need to discuss that with the agency. The member is aware that the qualification for exceptional circumstances relies on those circumstances being repeated. It is a difficult situation for farmers in the south, and they have our sympathy. Where we can support them, we will. However, having said that, I do not think we should be entirely negative about the scale and scope of the opening rains, which are the best the state has seen for a long time. The PRESIDENT: I acknowledge the presence in the President’s gallery of former President Griffiths.
(1)(a-b) What significantly was missed in the article is dealt with by Hon Bill Stretch in the first part of the question in which he asked, “has the minister fully assessed the widespread storm damage to . . .” and then listed a range of activities and commodities. The short answer to that is no. I have received reports from the Department of Agriculture such as they exist now and in my discussions yesterday with the director general of agriculture. We have agreed that over this week a very thorough canvassing of the situation will take place, and that should now be under way. However, it is possible that we will not know the entire scope of the damage within a week. That does not apply to sheep losses, which we should know about within the week; it applies only to the wine industry. The skin-splitting problem, which can occur because of rain of this nature, may or may not occur, depending upon the climatic conditions over the next week. Seed potatoes fall in about the middle of that range. I have spoken to a potato expert from the other house - Mr Paul Omodei - who has informed me that it would be very difficult to tell just yet what kind of losses will occur. Potatoes can withstand a 24-hour inundation, but if the ground dries quickly, there is a chance that - Hon Barry House : He is qualified to tell you about the grape losses also. Hon KIM CHANCE : Even with all his knowledge of the viticultural industry, Mr Paul Omodei could not give me an answer to that in less than a week or so. Getting those facts will take some time. The situation regarding the sheep will be known within a week. Questions concerning the assessment of damage to farms, local government roads and rail and power infrastructure in the south west of the state should be asked of other ministers, in particular the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development and the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure. However, the first indications are that the damage to public infrastructure has been remarkably light given the extent of the flooding. Hon Bill Stretch : Broomehill is a major grain rail route. Hon KIM CHANCE : Road damage has occurred, but it has been less than normally would be expected. (2) (a) I believe the government can provide assistance in that area. I will discuss that matter with the department once the situation is better understood. (b) The answer to this question probably falls within the same scope, although that will depend also on advice from the Western Australian Farmers Federation and the Pastoralists and Graziers Association. Hon Bill Stretch : That needs to be done very quickly. Hon KIM CHANCE : Yes, but we need to get advice. (c) The state does not have the capacity to do that as the Rural Adjustment and Finance Corporation was abolished. (d) This matter relates to exceptional circumstances. Again, I would need to discuss that with the agency. The member is aware that the qualification for exceptional circumstances relies on those circumstances being repeated. It is a difficult situation for farmers in the south, and they have our sympathy. Where we can support them, we will. However, having said that, I do not think we should be entirely negative about the scale and scope of the opening rains, which are the best the state has seen for a long time. The PRESIDENT: I acknowledge the presence in the President’s gallery of former President Griffiths.
Hon Barry House : He is qualified to tell you about the grape losses also. Hon KIM CHANCE : Even with all his knowledge of the viticultural industry, Mr Paul Omodei could not give me an answer to that in less than a week or so. Getting those facts will take some time. The situation regarding the sheep will be known within a week. Questions concerning the assessment of damage to farms, local government roads and rail and power infrastructure in the south west of the state should be asked of other ministers, in particular the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development and the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure. However, the first indications are that the damage to public infrastructure has been remarkably light given the extent of the flooding. Hon Bill Stretch : Broomehill is a major grain rail route. Hon KIM CHANCE : Road damage has occurred, but it has been less than normally would be expected. (2) (a) I believe the government can provide assistance in that area. I will discuss that matter with the department once the situation is better understood. (b) The answer to this question probably falls within the same scope, although that will depend also on advice from the Western Australian Farmers Federation and the Pastoralists and Graziers Association. Hon Bill Stretch : That needs to be done very quickly. Hon KIM CHANCE : Yes, but we need to get advice. (c) The state does not have the capacity to do that as the Rural Adjustment and Finance Corporation was abolished. (d) This matter relates to exceptional circumstances. Again, I would need to discuss that with the agency. The member is aware that the qualification for exceptional circumstances relies on those circumstances being repeated. It is a difficult situation for farmers in the south, and they have our sympathy. Where we can support them, we will. However, having said that, I do not think we should be entirely negative about the scale and scope of the opening rains, which are the best the state has seen for a long time. The PRESIDENT: I acknowledge the presence in the President’s gallery of former President Griffiths.
Hon KIM CHANCE : Even with all his knowledge of the viticultural industry, Mr Paul Omodei could not give me an answer to that in less than a week or so. Getting those facts will take some time. The situation regarding the sheep will be known within a week. Questions concerning the assessment of damage to farms, local government roads and rail and power infrastructure in the south west of the state should be asked of other ministers, in particular the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development and the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure. However, the first indications are that the damage to public infrastructure has been remarkably light given the extent of the flooding. Hon Bill Stretch : Broomehill is a major grain rail route. Hon KIM CHANCE : Road damage has occurred, but it has been less than normally would be expected. (2) (a) I believe the government can provide assistance in that area. I will discuss that matter with the department once the situation is better understood. (b) The answer to this question probably falls within the same scope, although that will depend also on advice from the Western Australian Farmers Federation and the Pastoralists and Graziers Association. Hon Bill Stretch : That needs to be done very quickly. Hon KIM CHANCE : Yes, but we need to get advice. (c) The state does not have the capacity to do that as the Rural Adjustment and Finance Corporation was abolished. (d) This matter relates to exceptional circumstances. Again, I would need to discuss that with the agency. The member is aware that the qualification for exceptional circumstances relies on those circumstances being repeated. It is a difficult situation for farmers in the south, and they have our sympathy. Where we can support them, we will. However, having said that, I do not think we should be entirely negative about the scale and scope of the opening rains, which are the best the state has seen for a long time. The PRESIDENT: I acknowledge the presence in the President’s gallery of former President Griffiths.
Questions concerning the assessment of damage to farms, local government roads and rail and power infrastructure in the south west of the state should be asked of other ministers, in particular the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development and the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure. However, the first indications are that the damage to public infrastructure has been remarkably light given the extent of the flooding. Hon Bill Stretch : Broomehill is a major grain rail route. Hon KIM CHANCE : Road damage has occurred, but it has been less than normally would be expected. (2) (a) I believe the government can provide assistance in that area. I will discuss that matter with the department once the situation is better understood. (b) The answer to this question probably falls within the same scope, although that will depend also on advice from the Western Australian Farmers Federation and the Pastoralists and Graziers Association. Hon Bill Stretch : That needs to be done very quickly. Hon KIM CHANCE : Yes, but we need to get advice. (c) The state does not have the capacity to do that as the Rural Adjustment and Finance Corporation was abolished. (d) This matter relates to exceptional circumstances. Again, I would need to discuss that with the agency. The member is aware that the qualification for exceptional circumstances relies on those circumstances being repeated. It is a difficult situation for farmers in the south, and they have our sympathy. Where we can support them, we will. However, having said that, I do not think we should be entirely negative about the scale and scope of the opening rains, which are the best the state has seen for a long time. The PRESIDENT: I acknowledge the presence in the President’s gallery of former President Griffiths.
Hon Bill Stretch : Broomehill is a major grain rail route. Hon KIM CHANCE : Road damage has occurred, but it has been less than normally would be expected. (2) (a) I believe the government can provide assistance in that area. I will discuss that matter with the department once the situation is better understood. (b) The answer to this question probably falls within the same scope, although that will depend also on advice from the Western Australian Farmers Federation and the Pastoralists and Graziers Association. Hon Bill Stretch : That needs to be done very quickly. Hon KIM CHANCE : Yes, but we need to get advice. (c) The state does not have the capacity to do that as the Rural Adjustment and Finance Corporation was abolished. (d) This matter relates to exceptional circumstances. Again, I would need to discuss that with the agency. The member is aware that the qualification for exceptional circumstances relies on those circumstances being repeated. It is a difficult situation for farmers in the south, and they have our sympathy. Where we can support them, we will. However, having said that, I do not think we should be entirely negative about the scale and scope of the opening rains, which are the best the state has seen for a long time. The PRESIDENT: I acknowledge the presence in the President’s gallery of former President Griffiths.
Hon KIM CHANCE : Road damage has occurred, but it has been less than normally would be expected. (2) (a) I believe the government can provide assistance in that area. I will discuss that matter with the department once the situation is better understood. (b) The answer to this question probably falls within the same scope, although that will depend also on advice from the Western Australian Farmers Federation and the Pastoralists and Graziers Association. Hon Bill Stretch : That needs to be done very quickly. Hon KIM CHANCE : Yes, but we need to get advice. (c) The state does not have the capacity to do that as the Rural Adjustment and Finance Corporation was abolished. (d) This matter relates to exceptional circumstances. Again, I would need to discuss that with the agency. The member is aware that the qualification for exceptional circumstances relies on those circumstances being repeated. It is a difficult situation for farmers in the south, and they have our sympathy. Where we can support them, we will. However, having said that, I do not think we should be entirely negative about the scale and scope of the opening rains, which are the best the state has seen for a long time. The PRESIDENT: I acknowledge the presence in the President’s gallery of former President Griffiths.
(2) (a) I believe the government can provide assistance in that area. I will discuss that matter with the department once the situation is better understood. (b) The answer to this question probably falls within the same scope, although that will depend also on advice from the Western Australian Farmers Federation and the Pastoralists and Graziers Association. Hon Bill Stretch : That needs to be done very quickly. Hon KIM CHANCE : Yes, but we need to get advice. (c) The state does not have the capacity to do that as the Rural Adjustment and Finance Corporation was abolished. (d) This matter relates to exceptional circumstances. Again, I would need to discuss that with the agency. The member is aware that the qualification for exceptional circumstances relies on those circumstances being repeated. It is a difficult situation for farmers in the south, and they have our sympathy. Where we can support them, we will. However, having said that, I do not think we should be entirely negative about the scale and scope of the opening rains, which are the best the state has seen for a long time. The PRESIDENT: I acknowledge the presence in the President’s gallery of former President Griffiths.
Hon KIM CHANCE : Yes, but we need to get advice. (c) The state does not have the capacity to do that as the Rural Adjustment and Finance Corporation was abolished. (d) This matter relates to exceptional circumstances. Again, I would need to discuss that with the agency. The member is aware that the qualification for exceptional circumstances relies on those circumstances being repeated. It is a difficult situation for farmers in the south, and they have our sympathy. Where we can support them, we will. However, having said that, I do not think we should be entirely negative about the scale and scope of the opening rains, which are the best the state has seen for a long time. The PRESIDENT: I acknowledge the presence in the President’s gallery of former President Griffiths.
(d) This matter relates to exceptional circumstances. Again, I would need to discuss that with the agency. The member is aware that the qualification for exceptional circumstances relies on those circumstances being repeated. It is a difficult situation for farmers in the south, and they have our sympathy. Where we can support them, we will. However, having said that, I do not think we should be entirely negative about the scale and scope of the opening rains, which are the best the state has seen for a long time.
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