Emergency fodder support package to help flooded graziers in North Queensland

• $2 million emergency fodder support package is now available for primary producers in the McKinlay Shire in north Queensland following flooding caused by monsoonal rainfall.
• Support provided through joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) can be extended to other impacted locations.

A $2 million Coordinated Emergency Support Package for North Queensland has been established to help farmers feed isolated and stranded stock following ongoing monsoonal flooding.

Jointly funded by the Albanese and Crisafulli Governments through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), the emergency fodder support package will support primary producers in the McKinlay Shire Council to feed stranded livestock.

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said all levels of government would continue working together closely to understand and deliver on what communities need to recover.

“Alongside state and local governments, the Commonwealth continues to work hard to support all communities impacted by the widespread flooding,” Minister McBain said.

“This funding will make sure primary producers impacted by this event have access to fodder for their livestock while they wait for the significant flood waters to recede.” 

Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Julie Collins said this funding would provide essential support to help farmers and primary producers in North Queensland sustain livestock and mitigate the impacts of flooding and loss of pasture.

“Flooding like we’ve seen in North Queensland has a terrible impact on farmers and primary producers, who are not only critical to regional economies, but to our food security, which is why making this support available is so important.

“We will always back our farmers and primary producers, and support like this can make all the difference in helping them to get back on their feet faster.”

Queensland Minister for Disaster Recovery Ann Leahy said primary producers in some flooded areas are in critical need of assistance as floodwaters persist.

“Our farmers are the lifeblood of Queensland and this support is critical for the welfare of livestock,” Minister Leahy said.

“As we continue to engage with all councils to understand the full impact of this event, our government remains committed to ensuring assistance is delivered where it is needed most and will work with the Australian Government to extend this program if required.”

Primary producers needing support to access emergency fodder supplies should contact their local council.

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACTS: 

Minister McBain: Claire Johnston 0473 406 905

Minister Collins: Blake Danilczak 0497 204 267

Minister Leahy: Kyah Devine 0424 670 963