“Additional assistance has been announced for farmers and registered small business owners who have experienced severe flood damage, while the drought transport subsidy has also been extended until the end of May, 2008,” Mr Piccoli said.

“RLPB areas including Hay, Wagga, Condobolin, Forbes, Riverina and Narrandera are still drought declared, which means that farmers are eligible for this scheme, “he said.

The scheme includes a 50% subsidy on the cost of transporting fodder, together with the cost of moving stock to and fro from agistment, and to sale or slaughter.

“In the same breath, the state government has also announced grants of up to $5000 for victims of flood damage.

“I understand that the application process has also been streamlined with the Rural Assistance Authority new receiving applications for assistance based on estimates for repair work, including fencing and earthworks.

“This will be of interest to those in the Lake Cargelligo district who are still struggling to recover from December’s ferocious storm and also those in the Tabbita area who experienced something similar.

“Mr Piccoli said that drought transport subsidy will be reassessed again at the end of May. I appreciate this assistance, and hope that it continues as long as we battle these extremes in weather conditions, “Mr Piccoli said.