All eligible primary producers in the Stanthorpe-Inglewood region of Queensland can now apply for Exceptional Circumstances (EC) drought assistance, Australian Agriculture Minister Warren Truss announced today.

    The EC declaration covers all of the Stanthorpe Shire, and the Inglewood Shire east of the Texas-Inglewood and Inglewood-Millmerran Roads, with the remainder of the Inglewood Shire designated as a buffer zone.

    Mr Truss said eligible livestock producers in Stanthorpe-Inglewood were granted EC on 19 August 2003.

    "I have now accepted a recommendation from the independent National Rural Advisory Council (NRAC) that EC assistance be extended to all primary producers in the region,"he said.

    "NRAC's assessment indicates that a lack of irrigation water has led to a significant decline in production of permanent horticultural and vegetable crops during 2002-03 - a decline expected to continue into 2003-04.

    "The drought has also had an adverse impact on the region's grain growers.

    "Today's announcement means all primary producers in the application area are now eligible to apply for interest rate subsidies of up to $100,000 a year for two years, and income support for up to two years.

    "They should apply for EC Relief Payments at Centrelink offices, or by calling Centrelink's National Drought Hotline on 13 23 16 (except on national public holidays).

    "Producers should contact the Queensland Rural Adjustment Authority on 1800 623 946 to apply for EC interest rate subsidies.

    "People operating small businesses in these areas experiencing a downturn because of drought can also apply to Centrelink for interest rate relief on new and existing loans of up to $100,000. They should also call Centrelink's National Drought Hotline."

    Mr Truss said he had also accepted a recommendation in regard to an EC application for Queensland's Northwest Ashy Downs.

    "A preliminary assessment by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry of the application submitted by the Queensland Government and Agforce found that the application did not establish a case to satisfy the criteria for prima facie assistance for the area as a whole," he said.

    "It has not been possible to demonstrate a key criteria for EC assistance - that the majority of the area has experienced a rare and severe event, one that could be expected to occur only every 20 to 25 years."

    Mr Truss said the preliminary assessment revealed that some parts of the original application area had a clearer case for prima facie status than others.

    "I have asked the Queensland Government to consider submitting an application for EC assistance for the Aramac area as an addendum to the Central Mid-West application, as it appears to have a much clearer case for prima facie status.

    "As well, the Queensland Government may wish to consider re-submitting an EC application for the remainder of the Northwest Ashy Downs region in coming months, if summer rainfall proves insufficient for sustained pasture growth."

    Mr Truss said that, in addition to EC assistance, the Australian Government continues to provide support to eligible producers experiencing financial hardship through the AAA Farm Help program.

    "In these difficult times, I urge farmers to visit their local Centrelink office, or call Centrelink's National Drought Hotline on 13 23 16, to discuss what assistance may be available to them," he said.