Having sought additional support for drought-stricken East Gippsland farmers, Gippsland East Nationals MP Tim Bull said today’s announcement of a $5 million State Government support package would assist famers in these trying conditions.

 

“To have the Minister come back this week, a fortnight after she toured local farms at my invitation with this package is a credit to those who took the time to inform the Minister of their plight and their challenges,” he said.

 

“The package includes drought infrastructure grants, an off-farm employment program for those who will benefit from the opportunity, technical and business support and further rural financial counselling services.

 

“This is a situation that will require ongoing monitoring and I have stressed this to Minister Pulford on several occasions.”

 

Mr Bull said he also had the Shadow Minister for Agriculture, Peter Walsh, visiting farmers from across the district tomorrow and Friday.

 

“Over both Thursday and Friday, Mr Walsh and I will visit farmers in Orbost, and the Maffra/Heyfield/Briagolong area, as well as attending the store cattle sale in Bairnsdale Friday morning and hosting a forum on Thursday night in Bairnsdale,” Mr Bull said.

 

 

Caption: Gippsland East Nationals MP, Tim Bull, with Agriculture Minister Jaala Pulford during her visit to the region a fortnight ago.