BURNETT SHIRE NOW DROUGHT DECLARED
Published Friday, 19 October, 2007 at 11:45 AM
Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries
The Honourable Tim Mulherin
Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries Tim Mulherin has approved the declaration of Burnett Shire under state drought processes following recommendations from the Local Drought Committee.
The declaration for Burnett Shire is effective from October 2, 2007.
Mr Mulherin said pasture was generally in very short supply due to the lack of rain during the growing season and a series of dry years.
“While the quality of feed in the district is of reasonable value it is rapidly drying off due to the hot windy weather being experienced at the present time. In addition stock waters on many properties are in low supply,” Mr Mulherin said.
The latest declaration brings the area of Queensland officially drought declared by the State Government to 83 shires and two part shires, which is equivalent to 62.4% of the land area of the State. There are also 17 Individually Droughted Properties in a further five shires.
Under shire and IDP declarations, primary producers are eligible to apply for Queensland government drought assistance including the Drought Relief Assistance Scheme. 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: 32396530
The declaration for Burnett Shire is effective from October 2, 2007.
Mr Mulherin said pasture was generally in very short supply due to the lack of rain during the growing season and a series of dry years.
“While the quality of feed in the district is of reasonable value it is rapidly drying off due to the hot windy weather being experienced at the present time. In addition stock waters on many properties are in low supply,” Mr Mulherin said.
The latest declaration brings the area of Queensland officially drought declared by the State Government to 83 shires and two part shires, which is equivalent to 62.4% of the land area of the State. There are also 17 Individually Droughted Properties in a further five shires.
Under shire and IDP declarations, primary producers are eligible to apply for Queensland government drought assistance including the Drought Relief Assistance Scheme. 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: 32396530