NSW: Latest figures show 11 pct more of NSW drought declared

AAP General News (Australia)
04-13-2004
NSW: Latest figures show 11 pct more of NSW drought declared

New figures show the drought is getting worse in New South Wales, with 11 per cent
more of the state drought declared in the last month.

State Agriculture Minister IAN MACDONALD says the CARR government is spending almost
$200,000 a week on transport subsidies for farmers.

But he's called on the federal government to make Exceptional Circumstances funding
more accessible to those in need.

Mr MACDONALD says the latest montly figures for drought-affected areas across the state
show that nearly two-thirds of the state has gone back into drought.

He says it's an increase of 11 per cent over the previous month, and the worst figures
in five months.

Mr MACDONALD says he'll attend the National Drought Roundtable in Canberra tomorrow
and will call for reform to the Exceptional Circumstances drought assistance program.

He says although 41,000 farmers are eligible for drought assistance under the program,
only about 4,000 have been able to access it.

AAP RTV smb/sd/rh/rp

KEYWORD: DROUGHT NSW (SYDNEY)

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