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Drought Information
	Drought Information for Farmers
	Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate Subsidy (ECIRS)
	Assessment Criteria

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Drought Information

In May 2007, areas of Tasmania were drought-declared, and two applications for exceptional circumstances were submitted to the Australian Government for consideration. In September 2007, the Australian Government announced that these areas would immediately have access to full exceptional circumstances support, including assistance via the Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate Subsidy (ECIRS) Scheme.

The first round of applications for ECIRS closed in late September 2008 and the second round (Tranche 2) closed 28 April 2009. Should you wish to apply for subsequent rounds, go to the ECIRS Information Page

The Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Tony Burke announced in February 2009 an extension of the Exceptional Circumstance (EC) declared areas of Tasmania to 30 April, 2010. This includes Flinders Island and the previous EC declared area of the Central Midlands and the East Coast but excludes the North East area of mainland Tasmania and Clarke and Cape Barren Islands which expired on 31 March 2009. Eligible primary producers and small businesses in the extended areas will continue to receive EC Relief Payments and be able to apply for interest rate subsidies for the extended term.

	Drought Information for Farmers 24 April 2008 - new drought measures announced. Parts of Tasmania were declared drought affected on 1 May 2007. Two Exceptional Circumstances applicat...

	Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate Subsidy (ECIRS) The ECIRS scheme provides interest subsidies to eligible Tasmanian farm and agriculture-dependent small businesses severely affected by drought.

	Assessment Criteria To receive support, applicants must meet criteria determined by the Commonwealth.

Further Information

March 2009: The Premier announced loans for on-farm storage and irrigation infrastructure. Contact the Business Point Unit of the Department of Economic Development and Tourism on 1800 440 026 for information.

  Robin Thompson
  Manager
  167 Westbury Road, PROSPECT TAS 7250
  Phone: 03 6336 5381
  Fax: 03 6344 9814
  Email: Robin.Thompson@dpipwe.tas.gov.au

Department switchboard: 1300 368 550 (local call cost within Australia)

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