Published Friday, 09 February, 2007 at 05:00 PM
Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries
The Honourable Tim Mulherin
WESTERN WAGGAMBA NOW DROUGHT DECLARED
Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries Tim Mulherin has approved the declaration of the western portion of Waggamba shire (west of the Leichhardt Highway) under state drought processes following recommendations from the Local Drought Committee.
The declaration is effective from February 1, 2007.
The portion of Waggamba Shire east of the Leichhardt Highway has been drought declared under State processes since 1 August 2002.
Mr Mulherin said the area had recorded well below average rainfall with only patchy storm rain providing short term relief to some properties.
“High temperatures and searing winds have been major contributors to the lack of effectiveness of any rain,” Mr Mulherin said.
The latest declaration brings the area of Queensland officially drought declared by the State Government to 73 shires and 3 part shires which is equivalent to 63.3% of the land area of the State. There are also 83 Individually Droughted Properties (IDPs) in a further 12 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.
Media: 323 96530
The declaration is effective from February 1, 2007.
The portion of Waggamba Shire east of the Leichhardt Highway has been drought declared under State processes since 1 August 2002.
Mr Mulherin said the area had recorded well below average rainfall with only patchy storm rain providing short term relief to some properties.
“High temperatures and searing winds have been major contributors to the lack of effectiveness of any rain,” Mr Mulherin said.
The latest declaration brings the area of Queensland officially drought declared by the State Government to 73 shires and 3 part shires which is equivalent to 63.3% of the land area of the State. There are also 83 Individually Droughted Properties (IDPs) in a further 12 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.
Media: 323 96530