QUEENSLAND GOVERNMENT ROLLS OUT FIRST COMMUNITY INFORMATION SESSIONS FOR DROUGHT AREAS

Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries Tim Mulherin today confirmed the first in a series of Queensland Government Community Information Sessions for drought-affected producers.

Mr Mulherin said the Community Information Sessions, announced late last month by the Premier, would provide information and assistance to communities in those areas hardest hit by the drought.

This initiative builds on this level of service through a coordinated approach involving DPI&F and State Development as well as industry groups and agencies including the Royal Flying Doctor Service, Queensland Rural Adjustment Authority (QRAA), Centrelink, Rural Financial Counsellors and Queensland Health,” Mr Mulherin said.

“They will be addressing issues such as stock feeding, financial assistance and health and well-being counselling as well as giving advice to those producers who are eligible for the Federal Government’s Exceptional Circumstance (EC) financial assistance.

“We want to ensure that producers are fully aware of what services are available to them and we will provide whatever practical assistance is required to ensure rural communities can access financial relief.”

Mr Mulherin said the situation in the southern two-thirds of Queensland was bleak for many producers.

Currently there are 71 shires and four part shires drought declared in Queensland, which equates to 62.5 percent of the total land area, and 64 Individually Droughted Properties (IDPs) in a further eight shires.

“Since the start of 2002, the state government has processed more than 18,000 claims and distributed more than $31.9 million in financial aid through the Drought Relief Assistance Scheme.

“These Community Information Sessions are a genuine response to a real need, brought on by the severity of the ongoing drought and the pessimistic outlook with regard to long-term rain forecasts.”

Community Information Sessions:

Central and southern Queensland:

Tuesday, November 21: 10.30 am -1.00pm, Chinchilla Cultural Centre, followed by lunch.

Wednesday, November 22: 10.30 am -1.00pm, Moonie Sports Club, followed by lunch.

Thursday, November 23: 9.15am – 12.30pm, Calliope CWA Hall; 2pm – 4.30pm

Wowan Golf Club.

Monday, December 4: 10am – 12.30pm, Miriam Vale CWA Hall; 3pm – 5pm,

Tegege Hall, Rosedale Road, Bundaberg.

Tuesday, December 5: 10am – 12pm, Tiaro Shire Community Centre; 3pm – 5pm

Long Flat Hall, Gympie.

Thursday, December 7: 10am – 12pm, Kenilworth Public Hall; 2pm – 4pm Kilcoy Shire Hall.

Western Queensland:

Tuesday, November 28: 3pm, Cunnamulla Shire Hall, followed by a BBQ at the Shire Hall.

Wednesday, November 29: 3pm, ThargomindahTown Hall, followed by a BBQ at the Bulloo River Hotel.

Thursday, November 30: 3pm, Quilpie Shire Hall, followed by a BBQ at the Shire Hall.

Tuesday, December 5, 3pm, Community Hall, Yaraka, followed by BBQ at the Yaraka Hotel.

Wednesday, December 6: 3pm, Windorah Information Centre, followed by BBQ at the Western Star Hotel.

Thursday, December 7: 3pm, Jundah Shire Hall, followed by BBQ at the Jundah Hotel.

Further Community Information Sessions are being planned for early 2007.

Media: 32396530