Published Friday, 01 February, 2008 at 04:55 PM
Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries
The Honourable Tim Mulherin
Government working tirelessly on flood relief
The Queensland Government would continue to work closely with organisations such as Agforce to ensure support for producers affected by the recent flooding, Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries Tim Mulherin said today.
“Our immediate focus has been on ensuring people are safe and keeping their livestock alive. We’ve already spent more than $1million on fodder drops so far,’’ Mr Mulherin said.
“DPI&F have established a database to record stock losses and we are working closely with Emergency Management Queensland and Agforce which are coordinating the fodder drops.
Mr Mulherin said concerns also had been raised in regard to sand fly plagues in the wake of the flood.
“What I am informed by our veterinary experts is that it is impractical for an aerial spray which may in fact distress the cattle further.
“What has been recommended is a smoky fire or some producers are introducing backrubbers – basically specially-designed posts which the cattle can scratch against to offer some relief and also disperses a chemical onto their back.’’
Mr Mulherin said the Government also was moving towards the recovery stage.
“The issue of longer term loans has been raised with the both the Federal and State governments by Agforce.
“Up to $100,000 for restocking and/or meeting carry-on requirements to a cumulative total of not more than $150,000 is currently available.
“While there is no doubt the flooding in central and western Queensland has had a major effect on the region, a full assessment of the damage isn’t available just yet,’’ Mr Mulherin said.
“We have been working closely with Agforce from the word go on the flood support effort and we’ll continue to work with them in regard to the longer-term recovery issues in the coming days.’’
An early assessment of overall crop and livestock losses and associated infrastructure damage has been estimated as high as $70m to $100m.
But Mr Mulherin reiterated that the rain had not been all bad news.
“There will be accelerated pasture growth, good conditions for late summer crops, and many dams have been replenished by the rain, which will greatly benefit irrigated cropping in the affected region, particularly cotton, maize and horticulture production.
“On current prices the estimated benefit could be $240m over the next two years.’’
Media: 32396530
“Our immediate focus has been on ensuring people are safe and keeping their livestock alive. We’ve already spent more than $1million on fodder drops so far,’’ Mr Mulherin said.
“DPI&F have established a database to record stock losses and we are working closely with Emergency Management Queensland and Agforce which are coordinating the fodder drops.
Mr Mulherin said concerns also had been raised in regard to sand fly plagues in the wake of the flood.
“What I am informed by our veterinary experts is that it is impractical for an aerial spray which may in fact distress the cattle further.
“What has been recommended is a smoky fire or some producers are introducing backrubbers – basically specially-designed posts which the cattle can scratch against to offer some relief and also disperses a chemical onto their back.’’
Mr Mulherin said the Government also was moving towards the recovery stage.
“The issue of longer term loans has been raised with the both the Federal and State governments by Agforce.
“Up to $100,000 for restocking and/or meeting carry-on requirements to a cumulative total of not more than $150,000 is currently available.
“While there is no doubt the flooding in central and western Queensland has had a major effect on the region, a full assessment of the damage isn’t available just yet,’’ Mr Mulherin said.
“We have been working closely with Agforce from the word go on the flood support effort and we’ll continue to work with them in regard to the longer-term recovery issues in the coming days.’’
An early assessment of overall crop and livestock losses and associated infrastructure damage has been estimated as high as $70m to $100m.
But Mr Mulherin reiterated that the rain had not been all bad news.
“There will be accelerated pasture growth, good conditions for late summer crops, and many dams have been replenished by the rain, which will greatly benefit irrigated cropping in the affected region, particularly cotton, maize and horticulture production.
“On current prices the estimated benefit could be $240m over the next two years.’’
Media: 32396530