Published Wednesday, 28 November, 2007 at 01:59 PM
Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries
The Honourable Tim Mulherin
Drought sessions offer support options
Another round of valuable drought information sessions will be held in early December at western Queensland locations to raise awareness among drought-affected communities about government services and support.
Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries Minister Tim Mulherin said the long-running drought was continuing to have a terrible impact on rural families and the viability of their grazing enterprises.
“The flow-on effects of the economic difficulties confronting drought-hit producers are also being felt by small business operators and rural service industries within our West Region communities,” Mr Mulherin said.
“There are some encouraging signs with excellent spring rainfall in some areas, and most recently rain and scattered thunderstorms over the Maranoa, Warrego, Channel Country and south of Longreach.
“While the Bureau of Meteorology is predicting the chance of a wetter than average summer in eastern Australia, the region’s drought woes will continue for some time.”
The drought information sessions will be staffed by officers from DPI&F, Queensland Rural Adjustment Authority, Remote Area Planning and Development Board, including a rural financial counsellor, and Royal Flying Doctor Service. There will also be information available from other service providers.
There are currently 83 Shires and two part Shires drought declared, which is equivalent to 62.4 percent of the state. There are 22 Individually Droughted Properties in a further five Shires.
Mr Mulherin said producers would have to consider management strategies to cover all future seasonal and economic scenarios.
“These drought information sessions will be an opportunity to discuss options and provide contact details for producers to access advice and assistance for personal and business concerns,” he said.
Drought information sessions:
December 4, Evesham State School (Morella/Silsoe)
3.30pm start followed by a BBQ
December 5, The Winton Club
3pm start followed by a BBQ
December 11, Boulia Golf Club
3pm start followed by a BBQ.
Attendance should be confirmed by calling Lew Markey, DFI&F Longreach on 4658 4460 or email lew.markey@dpi.qld.gov.au
Media: 32396530
Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries Minister Tim Mulherin said the long-running drought was continuing to have a terrible impact on rural families and the viability of their grazing enterprises.
“The flow-on effects of the economic difficulties confronting drought-hit producers are also being felt by small business operators and rural service industries within our West Region communities,” Mr Mulherin said.
“There are some encouraging signs with excellent spring rainfall in some areas, and most recently rain and scattered thunderstorms over the Maranoa, Warrego, Channel Country and south of Longreach.
“While the Bureau of Meteorology is predicting the chance of a wetter than average summer in eastern Australia, the region’s drought woes will continue for some time.”
The drought information sessions will be staffed by officers from DPI&F, Queensland Rural Adjustment Authority, Remote Area Planning and Development Board, including a rural financial counsellor, and Royal Flying Doctor Service. There will also be information available from other service providers.
There are currently 83 Shires and two part Shires drought declared, which is equivalent to 62.4 percent of the state. There are 22 Individually Droughted Properties in a further five Shires.
Mr Mulherin said producers would have to consider management strategies to cover all future seasonal and economic scenarios.
“These drought information sessions will be an opportunity to discuss options and provide contact details for producers to access advice and assistance for personal and business concerns,” he said.
Drought information sessions:
December 4, Evesham State School (Morella/Silsoe)
3.30pm start followed by a BBQ
December 5, The Winton Club
3pm start followed by a BBQ
December 11, Boulia Golf Club
3pm start followed by a BBQ.
Attendance should be confirmed by calling Lew Markey, DFI&F Longreach on 4658 4460 or email lew.markey@dpi.qld.gov.au
Media: 32396530