FOUR MORE SHIRES DROUGHT DECLARED

Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries Tim Mulherin has approved the declaration of the Burnett shires of Eidsvold, Mundubbera, Gayndah and Monto under state drought processes.

Mr Mulherin said the declarations are effective as of November, 2006, following recommendations from the Local Drought Committees.

“Rainfall in the Burnett region is well below average and the area is experiencing one of the driest periods on record,” Mr Mulherin said.

“The cattle feed situation is becoming critical as pastures deteriorate further from lack of rain and hot conditions.”

The latest declaration brings the area of Queensland officially drought declared by the State Government to 71 shires and four part shires which is equivalent to 62.5% of the land area of the State.

In addition there are also 64 Individually Droughted Properties (IDPs) in a further eight shires.

Mr Mulherin said the State Government was working to provide relief to drought impacted communities and properties.

“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),” he said.

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

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