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Applications close soon for EC drought support

Wednesday 6 May, 2009

Farm businesses in the State’s north are being urged to get in quick if they intend to submit applications for Exceptional Circumstances (EC) Interest Rate Subsidy support.

Ian Heinrich, PIRSA Manager Prudential & Rural Financial Services, says applications for the current year’s interest rate subsidy support will close on 15 June 2009 for three EC areas.
 
The closing date applies to the EC declared areas of:
• Central North East Pastoral (year 7)
• Central North Pastoral (year 5)
• North West Rangelands (year 2).

“Farm businesses in these areas currently receiving support will need to re-apply before the closing date to access further support. Previous eligibility does not guarantee support in the future,” Mr Heinrich said.

“Previous applicants will not receive written notification reminding them of the closing date.

“If a farm business is experiencing financial difficulty and is considering lodging an EC Interest Rate Subsidy application, then now is the time to seek support and avoid disappointment.”

Farm-dependent small businesses in financial difficulty due to the impact of the drought may also be eligible for an interest rate subsidy on their business debt.

The Rural Financial Counselling Service SA is available to assist people with the application process – contact toll free on 1800 836 211.

A complete list of EC-declared regions and closing dates relating to EC Interest Rate Subsidies is available at www.pir.sa.gov.au/pirsa/drought. For further information call PIRSA on 1800 182 235.