South West Slopes and Plains
The exceptional circumstances declaration for the South West Slopes and Plains was recently extended to 31 March 2011 by the Hon. Tony Burke MP, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.
All producers in the South West Slopes and Plains exceptional circumstances (EC) declared area are eligible to apply for income support payments and interest rate subsidies*.
Agriculture-dependent small business operators who derive 70 per cent of their turnover from agriculture in any EC declared area are also eligible to apply for income support payments and interest rate subsidies.
Note: If your small business: is located in a town that is substantially reliant on farm incomes and has a population of 10,000 or less; and is in an EC area (including prima facie areas); and can demonstrate a significant downturn in income due to the drought, you may be eligible for assistance.
Producers and small business operators should not self-assess their eligibility for income support but should call the Drought Assistance Hotline on 13 23 16.
*For more information on interest rate subsidies please contact your state rural assistance authority.
All producers and small business operators should note the following deadlines:
|
Applicant |
EC Relief Payment expiry: |
EC Interest Rate Subsidy applications close: |
|---|---|---|
|
Producers |
31 March 2011 |
Year 1: 31 March 2009 |
Area Description
The South West Slopes and Plains EC declared area covers the former Rural Lands Protection Boards (RLPB) of Wagga Wagga in its entirety, the former Gundagai RLPB west of the Hume Highway, the former Hume RLPB west of the Hume Highway (excluding division A) and former Narrandera RLPB Divisions B, C and D.
Download the South West Slopes and Plains EC declared area map 
PDF [319kb]
Note: If you are experiencing problems viewing or printing a map, try saving it to your desktop first. To do this, right click on the map and select 'Save Target As', 'Save File As' or ‘Save Picture As’. If you are still experiencing problems, ring (02) 6272 4053 or email DAFF PR.