Extraordinary measures to help North Queensland farmers

Queensland farmers hit by devastating floods will receive more support, with Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk increasing grants from $25,000 to $75,000. 

The Prime Minister said the assistance is being provided through the joint Commonwealth-Queensland Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

“Widespread flooding in Queensland has had an enormous impact on already struggling farmers, flattening crops and devastating livestock,” the Prime Minister said.

“The images of hundreds of dead cattle in western Queensland floodwaters is heartbreaking.

“The flooding is not over but we already know the situation is dire for many communities.

“Queensland’s farmers need our support now, which is why this assistance is being made available immediately.

“The money is available to farmers in nine local shires, and can be used for things like the hiring and leasing of equipment, purchasing fodder, salvaging feed or crops and repairing essential plant and equipment.

“The Commonwealth Government is also contributing $3 million to bolster mental health services on the ground.

“The Commonwealth’s contribution to North Queensland, as a result of these floods, is now over $100 million.”

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said stock losses would be immense with some farmers in Queensland reporting 100 per cent of their herds lost.

“Almost two years of rain has fallen on an area that weeks ago was in drought,” the Premier said.

“Weakened cattle that have managed to survive the floodwaters are still unable to get to feed as properties remain isolated and in some cases, the water continues to rise.

“We have had reports of a station near Julia Creek that normally runs approximately 70,000 head of cattle and they have only been able to locate 1,000 of their herd to date. 

“Another producer in the same area has reported 3,000 head of cattle have been lost so we need to provide as much assistance as we can to these farmers immediately.

“The Queensland Government will continue to work closely with the Commonwealth Government to provide additional assistance to other impacted primary producers as information comes to hand.

“It’s important for all levels of government and industry to work together in response to these devastating and protracted floods and the Queensland Government and Queensland farmers thank the Commonwealth for their assistance so far.”

ENDS

Media contacts:

Prime Minister’s office: (02) 6277 7700

Premier Palaszczuk’s office: 0428 510 973