CALLIOPE SHIRE ON THE DROUGHT LIST

Acting Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries Judy Spence has approved the declaration of Calliope shire under state drought processes following recommendations from the Local Drought Committee.

The declaration is effective from 10 January 2007.

Ms Spence said below average rainfall has been recorded across the shire over the past 12 months and the past nine months have been particularly dry.

“Any rainfall received has been patchy and totals in most instances have been insignificant,” Ms Spence said.

The latest declaration brings the area of Queensland officially drought declared by the State Government to 72 shires and 4 part shires which is equivalent to 62.9% of the land area of the State. There are also 113 Individually Droughted Properties (IDPs) in a further 17 shires.

Under shire and IDP declarations, primary producers are eligible to apply for assistance through the Drought Relief Assistance Scheme (DRAS). DRAS provides freight subsidies on the transport of fodder and water during times of drought, and restocking and returning from agistment in the recovery period.

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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