Drought forums for graziers

The Newman Government is ramping up efforts to provide drought assistance information to graziers across the north of the state with a series of community forums and mobile office visits over the coming weeks.

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry John McVeigh said with more than 60 per cent of Queensland now drought declared, it was critical that producers and local businesses had access to the most current information about drought support.

“This month our departmental mobile office will visit Burketown, Normanton, Croydon and Georgetown,” Mr McVeigh said.

“Local people will be able to speak face to face with departmental and QRAA staff about their individual circumstances. The officers will help with enquiries about the Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate, the Drought Relief Assistance Scheme and other programs such as the Federal Farm Finance package.”

Mobile offices scheduled in October:

• Tuesday 29th, 8am - 12pm - Burketown Shire Library, Wills Developmental Road
• Wednesday 30th, 8am - 1pm - Normanton, Carpentaria Shire Office, Haig Street 
• Wednesday 30th, 3.30pm - 5.30pm - Croydon, SES Hall, Brown Street
• Thursday 31st, 9.30am - 1pm - Georgetown Shire Hall, St George Street

Mr McVeigh said a series of drought information forums would also be held in November.

“There will be specialist DAFF officers on hand to advise on support services available to drought declared areas, as well as technical information on cattle nutrition and land management during dry times,” he said.

Drought information forums in November:

• Monday 11th, 1pm - Greenvale Hall, Greenvale
• Tuesday 12th, 1pm - Pentland Hall, Pentland
• Wednesday 13th, 1pm - Ravenswood Imperial Hotel, Ravenswood
• Friday 15th, 1pm – Alpha Town Hall, Alpha

The Ravenswood forum will focus on dry season management because it is not currently in a drought declared area. Other forums are also being planned for droughted areas of the state. 

Mr McVeigh said managing a property and a herd during dry times was hard and often heart-breaking.

“For graziers who haven’t had the chance to explore what support is available, these forums are a one-stop-shop of information where questions will answered by local specialists, and there’ll be information on management options. Drought brings many challenges, and sharing experiences with others can prove to be invaluable,” Mr McVeigh said.

The forums will conclude with a social barbecue. For more information about managing during drought, contact 13 25 23 or visit www.daff.qld.gov.au

[ENDS] 20 October 2013                  

Media Contact: Lachlan Millar 0407 394 580