Fed: Thousands expected to apply for flood funding

AAP General News (Australia)
12-05-2000
Fed: Thousands expected to apply for flood funding

Thousands of flood-affected farmers are expected to take advantage of a multi-million
dollar, two year help package announced by the federal government today.

The $216 million scheme covers re-planting crops, income support, interest rate subsidies,
emergency assistance and grants to help small and medium sized businesses get back on
their feet.

Deputy Prime Minister JOHN ANDERSON says a medium-sized farm could receive around $95,000,
while a farmer with a larger operation might be eligible for up to $200,000.

Mr ANDERSON says fast assistance is essential to make sure that the crop-dependent
areas of New South Wales and southern Queensland weathered the crisis.

However the NSW Farmers Association says half of the state's 4,000 flood-affected farms
will miss out because the help was directed at those who've lost crops over consecutive
years.

But the National Farmers' Federation has praised the package as generous, and saying
it should pressure the banks to come to the party.

AAP RTV jb/daw/klw/rt

KEYWORD: FLOODS (CANBERRA)

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