The Federal Government will extend exceptional circumstances funding to small businesses in Western Australia, to help them recover from the impact of the drought.
The funding will extend to small businesses in the North-East Wheatbelt - includes Perenjori, Morawa, Mullewa, Chapman Valley and the eastern part of Northampton.
The full text of a government announcement is pasted below
Small businesses will be given a helping hand by the Howard Government to assist them to recover from Australia's worst drought in living memory.
Under new measures announced by the Prime Minister today, Exceptional Circumstances income support and interest rate relief will be made available to owners of farm-dependent small businesses operating in EC declared areas.
"The Government understands that the current drought is impacting not just on our farmers - but a huge number of Australians," Fran Bailey, Minister for Small Business and Tourism, said today.
"This drought has extended well beyond the farm gate, and its effects are being felt by entire local communities.
"And, for small farm-dependent businesses in regional and rural areas, the consequences have been particularly severe."
The new package will build upon the range of exceptional circumstance assistance measures already in place to help drought-stricken farmers.
Its aim is to help small business owners adjust to prolonged downturns in income and meet their daily living expenses.
"The Government has listened to the concerns of drought-affected small businesses, and taken action to ensure that they are given appropriate support and assistance at this difficult time," Fran Bailey said.
