Media Release
Griffith to host Centrelink Murray-Darling Unit
26 June 2007
Minister for Human Services, Senator Chris Ellison, announced today that Griffith will host the headquarters for Centrelink’s Murray-Darling Basin Service Delivery Unit which will coordinate assistance to farmers and irrigators in the Murray-Darling Basin.
Senator Ellison said the new team would be responsible for coordinating on the ground support for irrigators and farming communities along the Murray-Darling Basin, as part of the Australian Government’s $13 million Budget commitment to help farmers and irrigators affected by reduced water allocations.
“Griffith is a major irrigation farming hub and is centrally located within the broader Murray- Darling Basin, which stretches from southern Queensland, through western New South Wales and south into Victoria and South Australia,” Senator Ellison said.
“Six staff will be based at Griffith Centrelink, coordinating the Federal Government’s Murray-Darling Basin service delivery response. It will also link with other agencies to support irrigators affected by reduced water allocations.
“Kate Hay, who has worked on Centrelink’s drought response for many years and has a close affiliation with irrigators, will lead the team based in Griffith.
“The impact of the ongoing drought on water allocations will potentially affect over 50,000 farms across this diverse and important region. This Budget measure will help ensure these families, including dairy farmers, horticulturalists, vegetable and rice producers, have access to local assistance.
“The new Centrelink unit will coordinate resources across the Murray-Darling Basin, including 15 additional social workers and psychologists, and eight extra Centrelink Rural Services Officers. The Australian Government Drought Bus will continue to play an important role in servicing the region.”
Senator Ellison said the establishment of the Centrelink Murray-Darling Unit would also complement the Murray Darling Basin Assistance and Referral Line, announced last week.
“Information about government services and assistance is available on 1800 050 015, where farmers can access specialist Centrelink Rural Service Officers, social workers and psychologists,” Senator Ellison said.
“Centrelink staff are to be commended for their continued and dedicated effort to support drought affected Australians. I’m pleased this latest announcement will further assist communities to manage the impact of the water crisis.”
Media Contact: Matt Francis – 0406 052 038.