PRIMARY producers in the Delungra area put forward their case for drought assistance on Tuesday when inspectors from the National Rural Advisory Council (NRAC) visited the area.

While conditions have improved, some farmers who had applied for Exceptional Circumstances (EC) status had the opportunity to explain the lasting effects of the drought.

Bob Swain, a producer from ‘Gullbraith’ 25kms west of Delungra had the opportunity to meet with NRAC inspectors and give them a tour of his property.

“It was a pretty positive visit.

“The purpose was for them to see if we are eligible for drought assistance,” Bob said.

“Although everything is a whole lot better now the last three years have been difficult and they wanted to see how that has effected us with things like calving figures etc.”

Bob said that although recent wet weather had allowed for a good amount of annual growth, native pastures would take a lot longer to recover.

“It is a matter of resting the paddocks,” he said.

If the current application is granted and the area is given EC status, qualifying producers are eligible for income support and interest rate subsidies.

As producers in the Bundarra area would know a visit from NRAC is only one small step in a long and drawn out process.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to have them here.

“Our job is just to put forward our case and hope for the best.

“It will take time to get through the channels of bureaucracy,” Bob said.

© 2010 Inverell Times

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