Drought relief continues

Tasmanian Government Media Release - 25 March 2009

Drought-afflicted farmers in Tasmania's extended Exceptional Circumstances (EC) areas are encouraged to apply for continuing interest rate relief.  The Australian Government has announced that Exceptional Circumstances for parts of Tasmania will be extended until 30 April 2010. These regions cover Flinders Island and the previous declared EC areas of the central Midlands including the east coast, but excludes the north-east coastal plain of Tasmania and Clarke and Cape Barren Islands.   The current EC declaration is due to expire on 31 March, but farmers have until 28 April to apply for interest subsidy assistance for the second tranche for the period 25 September 2008 to 31 March 2009.  Eligible farmers who have already received assistance for this period can apply now for an additional six months of assistance from 1 April 2009 to 24 September 2009."

DPIW will be writing to these farmers, but application forms are also available through http://www.dpiw.tas.gov.au/inter.nsf/WebPages/CART-7696UG?open or by contacting the Department on 1300 368 550.  Any farmer who has not already applied for interest subsidy assistance is encouraged to contact DPIW on 1300 368 550 to clarify their eligibility or complete an application form.  A further application will need to be made after 25 September 2009 for the final seven months of assistance. Details of the requirements for this will be advised at a later date.