DROUGHT DECLARATION LIFTED IN RURAL ACT

The drought declaration in rural ACT has been lifted after almost four years following better than expected weather conditions and rainfall, Chief Minister and Minister for Territory and Municipal Services, Jon Stanhope, said today.

Drought declarations are lifted after two consecutive growing seasons with sufficient rainfall to provide fodder for the normal carrying capacity of rural land.

However, Mr Stanhope said eligible famers would continue to have access to income support payments and interest relief subsidies through the ACT's Exceptional Circumstance declaration, which would continue until 30 April 2011.

"The Government has lifted the drought declaration in rural ACT on the recommendation of the ACT Rural Landholders Association who confirmed that the current conditions have improved significantly," Mr Stanhope said.

"The ACT experienced better than expected weather conditions over spring and summer and the wettest autumn in 20 years. The mild temperatures during autumn have also maintained the growing season.

"Despite the favourable weather conditions and rainfall, some local farmers are still doing it tough. As result, eligible farmers will continue to receive income support payments and interest relief subsidies through the ACT's Exceptional Circumstance declaration."

Since the rural drought was declared in October 2006, the ACT Government has provided $480,000 in financial assistance to rural lessees through the waiver of rates, waiver of the stock levy and the optional deferral of land rental payments. These payments were back-dated to 1 July 2006.

Media Contact:

Jess Wurf 6205 0504 0411 772 700 jess.wurf@act.gov.au