Media Release
Ministers announce additional drought buses
November 30, 2006
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, The Hon. Peter McGauran MP, and Minister for Human Services, The Hon. Joe Hockey MP, have today announced the extension of the Australian Government’s Drought Bus programme.
Two new Drought Buses will join the existing mobile service unit, and will begin serving drought-declared communities in New South Wales , South Australia and Queensland from Monday, 4 December.
“Since I launched the original Drought Bus three weeks ago, I’m pleased to say rural communities have warmly embraced the concept,” Minister McGauran said.
“In the first three weeks alone, the specialist rural staff on the Drought Bus have spoken with more than 500 people in drought-affected areas of southern New South Wales and Victoria .
“More than 80 per cent of those had never previously approached the Government for drought assistance.
“The Drought Bus trial proved there is an obvious need for this kind of service, and the extra two vehicles will ensure we’re able to provide drought assistance and other support services to those who need it.”
The two new Drought Buses will service communities in south western Queensland , south western New South Wales , and South Australia over the next two weeks, covering a distance of over 3100 kilometres.
Minister Hockey said positive feedback from rural communities has proven the success of the Drought Bus programme.
“The Drought Bus has become a vital outreach service, taking information and advice about drought assistance and other support services to communities that may not have ready access to a Centrelink office,” Minister Hockey said.
“Many people who’ve already visited the Drought Bus told staff they were pleased to
know they hadn’t been forgotten.
“They’ve also enjoyed being able to speak one-on-one with the specialist rural staff – including Rural Service Officers and Financial Information Service Officers -- travelling with the Drought Bus.
“I’m pleased to say our social workers have also offered counselling to some farming families, struggling to cope with the emotional impact of the drought.
“As an additional service, people in rural communities can now speak with Medicare staff when they visit the Drought Bus.
“They can assist farming families with non-cash transactions, such as paying Medicare claims by cheque or EFTPOS, enrolling people for Medicare, or updating their contact details.
“We hope farming communities will continue to take advantage of the expertise we are bringing to their doorsteps, talk with the friendly rural staff, and apply for drought assistance. Farmers can also contact the Drought Assistance Hotline on 13 2316.”
By signing up the Drought Bus fleet to the Greenfleet program, 219 trees will be planted, which will offset 56 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions annually.
The routes for all three Drought Buses are available at the Centrelink Website.