The Eyre Peninsula region will be coming out of EC assistance on March 31, but applications for EC Interest Rate Subsidies (IRS) remain open until March 31 for this current period.

The Planning for Recovery program is also still available to farming businesses that have been approved for an EC IRS in the last 12 months.

Applications also close March 31.

Those who have previously accessed the program can now apply for support to review their plans and get specialist advice as well.

Joint Chair of the Eyre Peninsula Drought Task Force, Jeff Pearson, says it is important farming families and communities know that they aren’t alone and that support is available.

“This will mean new challenges to farm businesses and communities where finances and stress levels will still take some time to recover,” Mr Pearson said.

“Information sessions will be held soon to help clarify what support is still available.”

Other programs still available include:

l Farm debt mediation when intractable problems arise with financiers

l Financial counselling jointly funded by the Federal Government.

l One-on-one Family and Business support.

l Country Health SA community counsellors.

The Centrelink Climate Change Adjustment Program and Transitional Income Support are also still available.

For more information call the Drought Assistance line on 132 316 or visit www.centrelink.gov.au.

Informat ion sessions will be held:

Monday, March 15, 1–3pm:

EPNRM Board Office

Surprys Mall, Ceduna.

March 16, 10am–12pm:

Cleve Hotel

Tuesday, March 16, 1pm-3pm:

Arno Bay Sporting Complex

March 16, 3.30pm–5.30pm:

Cowell Sporting Complex.

For more information visit:

www.sa.gov.au/drought or call the SA Drought Hotline 180 20 20.