PM Transcripts

FOR MEDIA THURSDAY, 20 JANUARY 1983
DROUGHT RELIEF: COMMONWEALTH ASSISTANCE FOR MOLASSES
SHIPMENT TO BUNDABERG
The Prime Minister announced today that the Government had
agreed to a request by Queensland that State expenditure on
transporting by sea a bulk shipment of molasses from far
north Queensland to Bundaberg be considered as eligible for
Commonwealth assistance under the Natural Disaster Relief
Arrangements. This is a -special measure in recognition of the
severity of the drought.
The molasses is to be used for stock fodder in drought affected
areas. Current usage for this purpose is high and existing
supplies at Bundaberg are expected to be exhausted by early
February.
The cost to the State of transporting 10,000 tonnes by ship,
which is the most cost effective means, is estimated to be
$ 268,000. This will be eligible for Commonwealth assistance
on a $ 3 to $ 1 basi5 under the arrangements. Similar assistance
was provided to Queensland in 1980.
This is a further example of the Commonwealth's willingness
to co-operate with the State Governments in providing
measures of real assistance to the nation's hard pressed
primary producers.