Published Wednesday, 01 August, 2007 at 11:05 AM
Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries
The Honourable Tim Mulherin
RECORD NUMBER OF PRODUCERS ASSISTED BY DPI&F DROUGHT SCHEME
A record number of Queensland primary producers received support through drought assistance in 2006-07, Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries Tim Mulherin said today.
Mr Mulherin said the Department’s Drought Relief Assistance Scheme (DRAS) unit had processed 6250 claims worth a total $12.26 million in assistance to producers.
“This is the largest amount of money provided in assistance since 1993-94 and more than the combined total for the past two years,” Mr Mulherin said.
“Since the beginning of the drought in 2002, the Department has processed more than 22,900 applications valued at more than $41 million.”
Mr Mulherin said the effects of the drought were devastating and it was important the Government continued to provide the level of support producers required.
He said 85 shires and two part shires were drought declared under state processes, equivalent to
62.5 per cent of Queensland’s land area.
Mr Mulherin said DRAS provided freight subsidies on the transport of fodder and water in times of drought and returning from agistment and restocking in the recovery period.
The number of claims for assistance had increased from about 60 a week in August 2006 to as peak of more than 200 per week.
“Additional staff was employed to ensure that claims were processed as quickly as possible,” Mr Mulherin said.
During the past financial year, staff also was responsible for processing applications under the Natural Disaster Relief Arrangements (NDRA), following Cyclone Larry and also claims under the National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) Reader Rebate Scheme.
Media: 3239 6530
Mr Mulherin said the Department’s Drought Relief Assistance Scheme (DRAS) unit had processed 6250 claims worth a total $12.26 million in assistance to producers.
“This is the largest amount of money provided in assistance since 1993-94 and more than the combined total for the past two years,” Mr Mulherin said.
“Since the beginning of the drought in 2002, the Department has processed more than 22,900 applications valued at more than $41 million.”
Mr Mulherin said the effects of the drought were devastating and it was important the Government continued to provide the level of support producers required.
He said 85 shires and two part shires were drought declared under state processes, equivalent to
62.5 per cent of Queensland’s land area.
Mr Mulherin said DRAS provided freight subsidies on the transport of fodder and water in times of drought and returning from agistment and restocking in the recovery period.
The number of claims for assistance had increased from about 60 a week in August 2006 to as peak of more than 200 per week.
“Additional staff was employed to ensure that claims were processed as quickly as possible,” Mr Mulherin said.
During the past financial year, staff also was responsible for processing applications under the Natural Disaster Relief Arrangements (NDRA), following Cyclone Larry and also claims under the National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) Reader Rebate Scheme.
Media: 3239 6530