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Community facilities Grants and awards | March 21, 2016

More help needed for drought affected areas

Nationals Member for Lowan Emma Kealy MP has slammed the Andrews Labor Government for drip feeding help to Lowan’s drought affected families.

“It has been four long, dry months since the Premier, Water Minister and Agriculture Minister promised all sorts of assistance but it is taking far too long for real relief to reach drought-stricken communities,” Ms Kealy said.

“It’s baffling that the Andrews Government won’t give direct business support to farmers, such as rebates on municipal rates and fixed water charges.

“Last week's re-allocation of the $10 million fund is the latest let down. After months of waiting, it looks like this was all just a sham consultation.

“Our communities put a lot of effort into submissions, and more than 20,000 people voted to help identify what the Andrews Government said were ‘Winning Ideas’.

“But when The Nationals questioned Jaala Pulford in Parliament last sitting week about which ‘Winning Ideas’ would go ahead, she couldn’t point to a single one that was guaranteed funding.

“Daniel Andrews and Jaala Pulford need to listen to our drought affected communities and get the money flowing now. Drought support can’t be drip fed,” she said.