Central West Farmers Meet With Minister
05-February-2010
Drought affected farmers from central NSW today met with Federal Agriculture Minister Tony Burke to explain the dire situation they are currently facing.
During today’s meeting , which was organised by Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton, representatives from the Central West Drought Action Group pressed the case for reinstating Exceptional Circumstances funding for the areas surrounding and including Dunedoo, Mendooran, Coolah, Coonabarabran, Rylstone, Merriwa, Mudgee and Gulgong.
Mr Coulton said that he thought the meeting with Minister Burke was very productive and that Rob Lennon, Mitchell Clapham and David Clarke were excellent ambassadors for their region.
“Rob, Mitchell and David prepared a fantastic submission for the Minister, and very successfully conveyed the seriousness of the situation in the central north and central west.
Mr Coulton said Minister Burke indicated that while he must follow due procedure, he would also do all he could to expedite the group’s drought assistance submission.
“The Minister expressed a genuine interest in the plight of the farmers from the affected regions, and said that he would carefully consider the submission presented to him by the CWDAG representatives today, along with the formal submission when he receives it.
“While there is still a fair way to go, it is encouraging that progress is being made and that the hard-work that the CWDAG has put in over the past few months is paying off,” Mr Coulton said.
The formal submission for the reinstatement of Exceptional Circumstances, which is prepared by the NSW Department of Industry and Innovation, is due to reach Minister Burke shortly.