- Ramsey Secures Drought Funding for Yorke Peninsula District Council
Federal Member for Grey Rowan Ramsey said he is pleased to announce the Government will provide $1m drought funding to Yorke Peninsula District Council.
“The announcement of funding for 13 more councils across Australia in areas experiencing hardship due to drought will provide immediate economic stimulus and employment for those whose work has been impacted by drought,” Mr Ramsey said.
“I am really pleased we have been able to extend this funding to another council – this is in addition to 19 council across Grey already announced.
“I have petitioned for further funding for councils in Grey which have been impacted by drought following the initial announcements of 13 eligible councils.
“The Federal Government recognises the impact of drought on the wider community and this assistance aims to stimulate the local economy and help local businesses to keep open their doors and retain employees.
“The local projects already approved and underway in other localities are already making a considerable impact in their communities.
“I encourage the YPDC to put forward some good quality projects which will both help their communities and provide work for local contractors.”
Mr Ramsey said the Government has also announced further $100m of new drought measures.
“The Government is responding to the ongoing drought with direct and immediate support to help farming families and communities,” he said. “A further $33.4 million had been made available through the Drought Community Support Initiative to provide immediate financial assistance to eligible households in hardship.
“Farming households can receive up to $3,000 to spend in their local communities to cover urgent bills such as food, petrol and utilities, taking stress off families and boosting the local economy.
“The effects of the drought are not just felt on the farm – regional communities and businesses suffer as people spend less in towns.
“I know this will make a difference here in towns in Grey where we’ve been dealing with drought for several years.”
The Coalition Government will work with the Salvation Army and St Vincent de Paul Society to make sure this money hits the ground quickly and gets to those most in need.
Mr Ramsey said the Government will also simplify Farm Household Allowance applications.
The changes will remove business income reconciliation, change the time limit on payment to four years in every ten, simplify the assets test and recognise agistment.
“These changes will make FHA quicker and easier to access,” Mr Ramsey said.
“We have also announced an injection of $740,000 of contingency funding to five Rural Financial Counselling Service providers who are experiencing pressure from increased demand.
“It’s really important that those in need of support do not self-assess their eligibility and instead seek advice from an expert, like a rural financial counsellor.”
Media Contact: Leonie Lloyd-Smith 08 8633 1744 September 27, 2019
