Brisbane, Pine Rivers, Redcliffe, Caboolture, Caloundra and Maroochy shires no longer drought declared
Published Tuesday, 11 March, 2008 at 12:48 PM
Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries
The Honourable Tim Mulherin
Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries Tim Mulherin has revoked the drought status of the Brisbane, Pine Rivers, Redcliffe, Caboolture, Caloundra and Maroochy shires effective March 1, following recommendations from the Local Drought Committee.
“The North Brisbane LDC assessed these shires based on criteria such as the amount of rain received, the impact on crops, and stock and pasture growth.
“It’s great to see that all of these shires benefited from the recent above average rainfall in the South East with the majority of pasture going to seed and producing adequate bulk.
“The great majority of property dams are also full and water supply dams have experienced good run off.
“While it is still early for winter crop plantings to take place, current conditions indicate that producers have the potential to experience good conditions for crop growth over the coming season,” Mr Mulherin said.
“All LDCs across the state will meet by the end of the summer rainfall period – March/April – and provide recommendations to me about the drought status of their areas.
“The LDC is made up of local producers and staff from the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries to give first-hand advice on the seasonal situation,” Mr Mulherin said.
“These changes are encouraging news for Queensland’s primary industries, but we still have 62.1% of the state officially drought declared and producers in those areas that remain drought declared following LDC meetings need our support.
“Producers who have not received adequate rainfall to alleviate drought conditions can apply to their local Biosecurity Inspector for an Individually Droughted Property declaration which will give them the same access to Queensland Government drought assistance as a shire declaration.
“Eligible primary producers who had their drought declaration revoked will have access to freight subsidy assistance for restocking and returning from agistment during the recovery phase for up to 24 months.”
For further information on drought assistance in Queensland, contact the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries on 13 25 23.
Media: 3239 6530
“The North Brisbane LDC assessed these shires based on criteria such as the amount of rain received, the impact on crops, and stock and pasture growth.
“It’s great to see that all of these shires benefited from the recent above average rainfall in the South East with the majority of pasture going to seed and producing adequate bulk.
“The great majority of property dams are also full and water supply dams have experienced good run off.
“While it is still early for winter crop plantings to take place, current conditions indicate that producers have the potential to experience good conditions for crop growth over the coming season,” Mr Mulherin said.
“All LDCs across the state will meet by the end of the summer rainfall period – March/April – and provide recommendations to me about the drought status of their areas.
“The LDC is made up of local producers and staff from the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries to give first-hand advice on the seasonal situation,” Mr Mulherin said.
“These changes are encouraging news for Queensland’s primary industries, but we still have 62.1% of the state officially drought declared and producers in those areas that remain drought declared following LDC meetings need our support.
“Producers who have not received adequate rainfall to alleviate drought conditions can apply to their local Biosecurity Inspector for an Individually Droughted Property declaration which will give them the same access to Queensland Government drought assistance as a shire declaration.
“Eligible primary producers who had their drought declaration revoked will have access to freight subsidy assistance for restocking and returning from agistment during the recovery phase for up to 24 months.”
For further information on drought assistance in Queensland, contact the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries on 13 25 23.
Media: 3239 6530