PRIMARY INDUSTRIES AND ENERGY
Ex gratia payment in respect of banana crop losses associated with eradication measures to control a Black Sigatoka outbreak
Financial Implications ($m)

Explanation
The Commonwealth has made a one off payment of $100,061 in 1997-98 to a banana grower whose crops were destroyed as part of a campaign to control an outbreak of the exotic disease, black sigatoka.  This payment represents the value of crops lost less any compensation received elsewhere.
Further Information
Once established, the Australian Plant Health Council (APHC) will be investigating means for ensuring appropriate compensation is an integral part of contingency plans and response strategies for incursion of exotic pests and diseases.
PRIMARY INDUSTRIES AND ENERGY
Exceptional Circumstances - Monaro Region A 
Financial Implications ($m)

Explanation
This measure reflects the declaration of a part of the Monaro region of New South Wales (identified as Region A) to be under ‘exceptional circumstances’, due to an exceptional combination of climatic and biotic events.  Farmers whose properties are assessed as affected, and who meet established eligibility criteria, may be entitled to assistance under the Exceptional Circumstances component of the Agriculture Advancing Australia policy package. The measure also includes amounts to be paid to the Rural Adjustment Authority in New South Wales to cover costs associated with the delivery of the scheme and payment of interest subsidies on the Commonwealth’s behalf. Including funds provided in 1997-98, the total value of assistance available to eligible farmers is $1.9 million. Funding for assistance programmes in 1997‑98 amounts to $0.4 million.
PRIMARY INDUSTRIES AND ENERGY
Drought Exceptional Circumstances - Several areas 
Financial Implications ($m)

Explanation
The Government declared Drought Exceptional Circumstances (DEC) in East Gippsland (Victoria), an area known as Monaro Region B (New South Wales), Flinders Island (Tasmania) and parts of Flinders, Winton and Aramac Shires in Queensland.  Farmers whose properties are assessed as drought affected may be entitled to assistance under the Exceptional Circumstances component of the Agriculture Advancing Australia package. The value of assistance available directly to farmers is $14.3 million, including $1.8 million in 1997‑98 and $7.6 million in 1998‑99.  In addition, $0.6 million ($0.1 million in 1997-98) is provided for the cost of delivery of services through Centrelink and State/Territory Rural Assistance Authorities.
The amounts allocated to aid farmers over all years are: East Gippsland, $9.5 million; Monaro Region B, $0.9 million; Flinders Island, $1.2 million; and Flinders shire area, $2.8 million.
PRIMARY INDUSTRIES AND ENERGY
National Geoscience Survey Initiative 
Financial Implications ($m)

Explanation
This measure provides funding to the Australian Geological Survey Organisation for the collection and analysis of geoscientific data to promote investment and exploration in oil, gas and minerals in Australia’s land and ocean territories.
Further Information
At current oil production rates, Australia has 14 years of reserves and, consequently, the need to find major new oil and gas deposits is becoming increasingly urgent.  The availability of pre-competitive geoscientific data is essential to attract commercial exploration investment and exploration, particularly in frontier areas not currently being explored.
Mapping of areas least understood geologically or poorly explored will encourage onshore mineral exploration as part of the Commonwealth’s contribution to the National Geoscience Mapping Accord with the States and Territories.  Emphasis will be  placed on mapping the extension of known mineral provinces under a shallow cover represented by sediments, soils and weathered materials.
PRIMARY INDUSTRIES AND ENERGY
Offsets for Australian Geological Survey Organisation's offshore petroleum programme
Financial Implications ($m)

Explanation
This measure represents savings to the Budget of $11 million per annum in each of the years 1999-2000 to 2001-02 to offset the offshore petroleum component of the National Geoscience Survey Initiative.  The mechanism to implement this measure will be identified as part of a review of the funding and activities of the Australian Geological Survey Organisation.
Further Information
See related Primary Industries and Energy outlays measure titled National Geoscience Survey Initiative.
PRIMARY INDUSTRIES AND ENERGY
Payments to the Tasmanian State Government under the Tasmanian Regional Forest Agreement 
Financial Implications ($m)

Explanation
This measure provides funding of $10 million to the Tasmanian Government for plantation establishment and forest intensification programmes under the terms of the existing Regional Forest Agreement (RFA) with the Commonwealth.  This amount is part of a total funding package of $110 million to the Tasmanian Government to meet both the conservation and industry objectives of the Tasmanian Regional Forest Agreement, including plantation and infrastructure development, intensive forest management initiatives, tourism facilities, new reserve management and private land conservation.
Further Information
Regional Forest Agreements are agreements made between the Commonwealth and States and Territories under the National Forest Policy Statement.  Agreements establish the process for the ecologically sustainable management of forests, set aside a comprehensive, adequate and representative forest reserve system and promote the development of an internationally competitive forests products industry.