TWO FURTHER SHIRES DROUGHT DECLARED

Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries Tim Mulherin has approved the declaration of Banana and Biggenden shires under state drought processes following recommendations from the Local Drought Committees.

Mr Mulherin said rainfall in both shires had been well below average and pasture was of poor quality and had very little nutritional value.

The declarations are effective from October 23, 2006 for Banana Shire and October 24, 2006 for Biggenden Shire.

The latest declaration brings the area of Queensland officially drought declared by the State Government to 67 shires and 4 part shires which is equivalent to 61.6% of the land area of the state.

There also are 206 Individually Droughted Properties (IDPs) in a further 12 shires.

Under shire and IDP declarations, eligible primary producers have access to freight subsidies on fodder and water, stock returning from agistment and on stock purchased for restocking through the Drought Relief Assistance Scheme (DRAS).

For further information about DRAS and other assistance measures, producers can contact the DPI&F Business Information Centre on 13 25 23.

Media: David Potter 32396530