Lifeline for drought stricken Queensland graziers

The Newman Government will act to help Queensland’s drought stricken graziers by temporarily opening up selected properties and National Park land with previous grazing history for emergency agistment.

Acting Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jeff Seeney said the worsening drought crisis meant immediate action was needed.

“As the dire animal welfare situation facing our graziers worsens, the Newman Government is providing a lifeline by allowing access for cattle to suitable state land,” Mr Seeney said.

“This is a part of a range of drought relieving measures the Newman Government will put together over the coming weeks and months, as we do everything possible to help those affected.”

National Parks Minister Steve Dickson said the proposed changes would see emergency hardship grazing authorities issued over specific areas which had been selected on the basis of their previous grazing history and their proximity to suffering properties.

“We won’t stand by and watch while graziers are forced to destroy their own stock when we have land and feed available,” Mr Dickson said.

“Queensland’s graziers are the backbone of the nation’s cattle industry and we are determined to protect their livelihoods as we work through this crisis together.

“These arrangements are limited to only a select number of properties and National Park land, will only be available for graziers suffering from drought or wildfire and will only stay in place for a limited time to assist with the current crisis.

“Importantly, the existence of buffel grass on this land, a foreign species, means carefully managed grazing will reduce fuel loads and also lessen impacts on fire sensitive species.”

The proposed amendment will see five areas currently declared as National Park – Moorrinya, Forest Den, Blackbraes, Nairana and Mazeppa – offering temporary emergency agistment for graziers.

Additionally, eight properties purchased in conjunction with the Commonwealth Government under the National Reserve System (NRS), will be reopened in the short-term, and the Government will today write to the Commonwealth seeking its support for the action.

“Allowing graziers access to state owned land will go some way to alleviating their current catastrophic situation,” Mr Dickson said.

[ENDS] 14 May 2013

Media contact: Anna Hilton 0408 191 192