Published Tuesday, 08 May, 2007 at 03:01 PM
Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries
The Honourable Tim Mulherin
ISIS, KOLAN, BAUHINA DROUGHT DECLARED
Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries Tim Mulherin has approved changes to the drought status of a number of shires under state drought processes, following recommendations from the Local Drought Committees.
Isis and Kolan shires are drought declared, effective 16 April 2007 and the remainder of Bauhinia shire not already declared has been given drought status as at April 11, 2007.
Emerald shire has been revoked from drought status, effective April 10, 2007.
Mr Mulherin said the pasture quantity in Isis and Kolan Shires was generally in very short supply due to the lack of rain during the growing season combined with a series of dry years.
“Storm rains across Bauhinia shire have been patchy, with many areas receiving significantly less than median rainfall,” he said.
“This has resulted in varying pasture response.
“While Emerald Shire has also received patchy storm rain, the majority of the Shire has experienced improved seasonal conditions.”
Primary producers who believe their properties are still experiencing drought conditions should contact biosecurity inspector Lance Smith on 4983 7407.
This now brings the area of Queensland officially drought declared by the State Government to 76 shires and one part shire, which is equivalent to 61.9% of the land area of the State. There are also 87 Individually Droughted Properties 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.
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
Isis and Kolan shires are drought declared, effective 16 April 2007 and the remainder of Bauhinia shire not already declared has been given drought status as at April 11, 2007.
Emerald shire has been revoked from drought status, effective April 10, 2007.
Mr Mulherin said the pasture quantity in Isis and Kolan Shires was generally in very short supply due to the lack of rain during the growing season combined with a series of dry years.
“Storm rains across Bauhinia shire have been patchy, with many areas receiving significantly less than median rainfall,” he said.
“This has resulted in varying pasture response.
“While Emerald Shire has also received patchy storm rain, the majority of the Shire has experienced improved seasonal conditions.”
Primary producers who believe their properties are still experiencing drought conditions should contact biosecurity inspector Lance Smith on 4983 7407.
This now brings the area of Queensland officially drought declared by the State Government to 76 shires and one part shire, which is equivalent to 61.9% of the land area of the State. There are also 87 Individually Droughted Properties 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.
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