JUANITA Wilson is continuing to push for more council assistance for drought-stricken locals.
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Cr Wilson said there is a sense of urgency with the matter with council set to bring back a report with a “whole raft of measures” for assistance in August.
“There is a sense of urgency, not only for the practical aspect of helping for those effected,” Cr Wilson said.
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“Once a mechanism is put in place they can start looking at what positive initiatives can be factored in or out.”
Earlier this month, Cr Wilson asked council to look what assistance could be proffered through council’s functions and she raised the matter once again at this week’s meeting.
She said assistance could be rendered in the form of relief with water or rate costs.
Cr Wilson said a lot of support had poured-in for the initiative and not necessarily from the farming community.
“I've had quite a lot of feedback from people who are really looking at options for helping and most often it’s from people who aren’t rural producers,” she said.
“I think it’s because the community has a bit of a feeling of helplessness like they can’t help more.”
She said the spirit of the community shone-through with the recent R U Aware, We Care concert.
“It’s amazing the generosity of people with not much means, but giving as much as they could, the spirit of the community is one that really wants to help.” Council general manager Paul Bennett said a report would land before council in August with a slew of measures.
He said it could include availability of water connections and awareness around council’s rates hardship policy.
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