Published Thursday, 30 August, 2007 at 10:23 AM
Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries
The Honourable Tim Mulherin
MACKAY, MIRANI NO LONGER DROUGHT DECLARED
Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries and Member for Mackay Tim Mulherin has revoked the drought status of Mackay, Mirani and Sarina shires.
“The revocation, effective from August 13, 2007, follows recommendations from the Local Drought Committee,’’ Mr Mulherin said.
“The decision follows the good rainfall received earlier this year along with above average rainfall over the past 12 months. The majority of local property dams are now full or near full.
“SunWater reports storage levels in the Mackay district are also at 70 per cent or better with Mirani and Marian weirs at 100 per cent, Kinchant Dam at 99 per cent and Dumbleton Weir at 76 per cent.
“Following on from above average rain received in June, pastures have responded well in the district with soil moisture profiles looking promising for the coming months,” Mr Mulherin said.
The decision brings the area of Queensland officially drought declared by the State Government to 82 shires and two part shires, which is equivalent to 62.2% of the land area of the State.
There are also 17 Individually Droughted Properties in a further five shires.
Eligible primary producers who have had their drought declaration revoked will have access to freight subsidy assistance for restocking and returning from agistment during the recovery phase.
Producers who have not received adequate rainfall to alleviate drought conditions can apply to their local Biosecurity Inspector for an IDP declaration.
Media: 32396530
“The revocation, effective from August 13, 2007, follows recommendations from the Local Drought Committee,’’ Mr Mulherin said.
“The decision follows the good rainfall received earlier this year along with above average rainfall over the past 12 months. The majority of local property dams are now full or near full.
“SunWater reports storage levels in the Mackay district are also at 70 per cent or better with Mirani and Marian weirs at 100 per cent, Kinchant Dam at 99 per cent and Dumbleton Weir at 76 per cent.
“Following on from above average rain received in June, pastures have responded well in the district with soil moisture profiles looking promising for the coming months,” Mr Mulherin said.
The decision brings the area of Queensland officially drought declared by the State Government to 82 shires and two part shires, which is equivalent to 62.2% of the land area of the State.
There are also 17 Individually Droughted Properties in a further five shires.
Eligible primary producers who have had their drought declaration revoked will have access to freight subsidy assistance for restocking and returning from agistment during the recovery phase.
Producers who have not received adequate rainfall to alleviate drought conditions can apply to their local Biosecurity Inspector for an IDP declaration.
Media: 32396530