Published Thursday, 03 July, 2008 at 11:28 AM
Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries
The Honourable Tim Mulherin
Drought revocation of Flinders Shire, Isaac and Bundaberg Regional Councils
Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries Tim Mulherin has revoked the drought declared status of the Flinders Shire Council, the Bundaberg Regional Council and the Isaac Regional Council.
Mr Mulherin also has now revoked the entire drought status of the Blackall Tambo Regional Council and the former Peak Downs shire in the Central Highlands Regional Council.
The decisions follow recommendations from the respective Local Drought Committees.
“These revocations mean 54.4% of the land area of Queensland still remains officially drought declared by the State Government,’’ Mr Mulherin said.
“Beneficial rain has been recorded across the Bundaberg, Flinders, Isaac and Blackall regions following good falls over the summer rainfall season. This resulted in generally good quality and quantity of pasture with stock reported to be in forward condition,” Mr Mulherin said.
“In the Flinders Shire, current conditions have provided the opportunity for some producers to make their properties available for agistment on a short term basis.’’
Mr Mulherin said the former Peak Downs shire had benefited from above average summer rainfall with effective follow up falls.
“Pasture response at the time was significant and while some loss of condition in livestock is expected during winter, the majority of all cattle are in good condition. Both underground and surface water supplies are adequate.
“Further welcome rainfall was recorded in the Blackall Tambo Regional Council region early in June which has freshened the buffel grass and reduced the impact of frost.
“Eligible primary producers who have had their drought declaration revoked will have access to freight subsidy assistance for restocking and returning from agistment during the recovery phase.
“Producers who have not received adequate rainfall to alleviate drought conditions can contact the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries on 13 25 23 for an Individually Droughted Property declaration which will give them the same access to Queensland government drought assistance as a shire or area declaration,” he said.
The revocations are effective for the Flinders Shire Council and the Bundaberg Regional Council from April 21, 2008 and the Isaac Regional Council from May 2, 2008.
The status of Blackall Tambo Regional Council is effective from April 28 excluding the area of the former part shire of Tambo south of the Mt Playfair Road and south east of the Tambo Ward River Road which is effective June 3. The revocation of the former Peak Downs shire in the Central Highlands Regional Council is effective May 5.
For information on drought assistance, contact the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries on 13 25 23 or www.dpi.qld.gov.au
Media: 3239 6530
Mr Mulherin also has now revoked the entire drought status of the Blackall Tambo Regional Council and the former Peak Downs shire in the Central Highlands Regional Council.
The decisions follow recommendations from the respective Local Drought Committees.
“These revocations mean 54.4% of the land area of Queensland still remains officially drought declared by the State Government,’’ Mr Mulherin said.
“Beneficial rain has been recorded across the Bundaberg, Flinders, Isaac and Blackall regions following good falls over the summer rainfall season. This resulted in generally good quality and quantity of pasture with stock reported to be in forward condition,” Mr Mulherin said.
“In the Flinders Shire, current conditions have provided the opportunity for some producers to make their properties available for agistment on a short term basis.’’
Mr Mulherin said the former Peak Downs shire had benefited from above average summer rainfall with effective follow up falls.
“Pasture response at the time was significant and while some loss of condition in livestock is expected during winter, the majority of all cattle are in good condition. Both underground and surface water supplies are adequate.
“Further welcome rainfall was recorded in the Blackall Tambo Regional Council region early in June which has freshened the buffel grass and reduced the impact of frost.
“Eligible primary producers who have had their drought declaration revoked will have access to freight subsidy assistance for restocking and returning from agistment during the recovery phase.
“Producers who have not received adequate rainfall to alleviate drought conditions can contact the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries on 13 25 23 for an Individually Droughted Property declaration which will give them the same access to Queensland government drought assistance as a shire or area declaration,” he said.
The revocations are effective for the Flinders Shire Council and the Bundaberg Regional Council from April 21, 2008 and the Isaac Regional Council from May 2, 2008.
The status of Blackall Tambo Regional Council is effective from April 28 excluding the area of the former part shire of Tambo south of the Mt Playfair Road and south east of the Tambo Ward River Road which is effective June 3. The revocation of the former Peak Downs shire in the Central Highlands Regional Council is effective May 5.
For information on drought assistance, contact the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries on 13 25 23 or www.dpi.qld.gov.au
Media: 3239 6530