EXCEPTIONAL CIRCUMSTANCES DECISION NEAR FOR GULF LANDOWNERS

Sign Up for free e-mail updates!

At senate estimate committee hearings yesterday, departmental officials in the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry indicated that a decision would be made “very soon” on the application for Exceptional Circumstances funding for landholders in North West Queensland devastated by floods which occurred more that 12 months ago.

“North Queensland based Liberal Senator and Federal Opposition Spokesman on Northern and Remote Australia Ian Macdonald had pointed out to the Estimates Committee that it had taken an unusually long time for the Government to respond to a plea by people who were desperate because of water inundation over a year ago.

“I pleased with the Minister and Departmental officials for an early response in view of the disastrous financial position in which many landholders in the Gulf area found themselves.

“I am told that a response has been dealt with be the Agriculture Minister Tony Bourke some time ago and has been referred to the Prime Minister for final approval.

“When pressed for when a response might be given I was told that it would be “very soon”.

“I can only hope that this is in fact the case and that an announcement is made within the next few days,” Senator Macdonald said.

END

9 February 2010

Media contact Gordon Terry      (07) 4771 3066   or   0427 960 255                                           

More Media Releases