NSW: Half of state s farmers to miss out on package

AAP General News (Australia)
12-05-2000
NSW: Half of state s farmers to miss out on package

The NSW Farmers Association says about half the state's farmers whose properties were
devastated in the recent floods will miss out on the federal government's assistance package.

NSW Farmers Association president JOHN COBB says up to 4,000 farms were affected by flooding.

However, he says only half of those will qualify for a slice of the package directed
at farmers who have lost crops over consecutive years.

Mr COBB says farmers whose crops were wiped out for the first time will only receive
an interest subsidy on their existing debt.

He says for those farmers the only option is to go into more debt to re-plant in the
hope of making a return next year.

Under the government's two-year package, farmers will be able to claim income support,
interest rate subsidies and grants for crop replanting.

The $216 million package also allows for grants of up to $10,000 to repair small and
medium-sized businesses.

Deputy Prime Minister JOHN ANDERSON has attacked the New South Wales government's contribution,
that he says is limited to $130 million.

AAP RTV ls/sb/hn/jn

KEYWORD: FLOODS COBB (SYDNEY)

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