Farmers urged to

CASEY farmers could be eligible for drought assistance.
The Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Peter McGauran, recently announced drought assistance initiatives had been extended to farmers and farm-dependent small businesses in Casey.
These initiatives include income support, a Health Care Card and a municipal rates subsidy.
Casey mayor Colin Butler urged local farmers and small businesses to apply.
“It is strongly recommended that farmers do not self assess, but lodge an application with Centrelink,” he said.
The National Rural Advisory Council (NRAC), an independent group of primary producers and agribusiness professionals, is responsible for assessing applications and recommending to the Government whether the criteria for full Exceptional Circumstances are met.
As part of achieving full Exceptional Circumstances, the Federal Government may request additional economic information and the local Drought Committee may be required to gather data from regional farmers in a range of sectors.
For more information people can call City of Casey’s agribusiness officer Vin Morris on 9705 5200, Centrelink’s Drought Assistance Line on 13 23 16 or Rural Financial Counselling Service Victoria – Gippsland on 5662 9928.