Premier announces $100 million for drought relief

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Wednesday, 24 October, 2007: Premier John Brumby today announced a further $100 million in assistance to help rural communities battling the worst drought on record.

Mr Brumby said the package included water rebates for irrigators worth $55 million, a new $10 million program to assist farmers to undertake drought proofing works and to boost future productivity, and further support for mental health services.

"Victoria is in the grip of the worst drought on record and the Victorian Government will do all it can to help our struggling farmers, rural communities and rural businesses," Mr Brumby said.

The package announced near Warracknabeal in Victoria's north-west is in addition to the $178 million the Victorian Government has provided for drought relief over the past two years. more ...

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