Published Wednesday, 13 February, 2008 at 03:57 PM
Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries
The Honourable Tim Mulherin
Hotline for flood affected primary producers in Burdekin and Bowen
The Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries has activated its local disaster response capacity in readiness to help flood-affected producers in north Queensland, Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries Tim Mulherin said today.
“I would encourage local producers in the Burdekin and Bowen districts to contact the Department regarding crop and animal recovery,’’ Mr Mulherin said.
“As the flood waters recede and paddocks dry out over the next few days, we are expecting producers will have a better picture of the damage.
“One of the immediate priorities will be animal welfare, and getting feed to stock that may be stranded.
“I’m urging graziers who are having these issues to contact us as soon as possible if they need assistance.
“Returning stock to properties that have lost fencing may be another concern and for the latest advice regarding NLIS and stock movement recording, producers should contact our Business Information Centre.”
Mr Mulherin said DPI&F extension officers would be able to assist cropping industries regarding recovery.
“I know that our officers will be very busy over the coming weeks, out on the ground and assessing the situation.
“We are mindful that issues such as continued seedling supplies, weed seed spread and integrated pest management may arise, so our experts will be there to assist.
“Once the immediate flooding issues are addressed, DPI&F Farm Financial Counsellors will be able to assist primary producers with accessing recovery programs.
“Our Farm Financial Counsellors can also support producers in obtaining any assistance that is available via the Queensland Rural Adjustment Authority, and other agencies.
The hotline number for the DPI&F Business Information Centre is 13 25 23 from 8am-6pm seven days a week.
Media: 32396530
“I would encourage local producers in the Burdekin and Bowen districts to contact the Department regarding crop and animal recovery,’’ Mr Mulherin said.
“As the flood waters recede and paddocks dry out over the next few days, we are expecting producers will have a better picture of the damage.
“One of the immediate priorities will be animal welfare, and getting feed to stock that may be stranded.
“I’m urging graziers who are having these issues to contact us as soon as possible if they need assistance.
“Returning stock to properties that have lost fencing may be another concern and for the latest advice regarding NLIS and stock movement recording, producers should contact our Business Information Centre.”
Mr Mulherin said DPI&F extension officers would be able to assist cropping industries regarding recovery.
“I know that our officers will be very busy over the coming weeks, out on the ground and assessing the situation.
“We are mindful that issues such as continued seedling supplies, weed seed spread and integrated pest management may arise, so our experts will be there to assist.
“Once the immediate flooding issues are addressed, DPI&F Farm Financial Counsellors will be able to assist primary producers with accessing recovery programs.
“Our Farm Financial Counsellors can also support producers in obtaining any assistance that is available via the Queensland Rural Adjustment Authority, and other agencies.
The hotline number for the DPI&F Business Information Centre is 13 25 23 from 8am-6pm seven days a week.
Media: 32396530