Wet season is good news for Queensland farmers: Fraser reaffirms pipeline commitment

Flooding rains may have dampened the north west, but not the spirits of farmers who have suffered years of agonising drought.

Treasurer and Acting Emergency Services Minister Andrew Fraser and Member for Mount Isa Betty Kiernan toured the region today, including flood-ravaged Cloncurry and Julia Creek.

"Around 20% of Queensland’s north west is officially eligible for disaster relief. That's an area bigger than Germany,’’ Mr Fraser said.

"The enormity of it has to be seen to be believed.

"Cloncurry and Mt Isa have received a year's worth of rain in one week. This will provide a much-needed shot in the arm for local agriculture.

"It also underlines the importance of the $42.5 million pipeline to be built to Cloncurry. This Government will secure Cloncurry's long-term water security."

Mr Fraser said while the storm cells were still active, safety remained top priority.

"Our initial aim is to ensure residents who need assistance can get it,’’ he said.

"Food stores have been successfully delivered to Mt Isa and other areas such as Burketown.

"SES members have been active in Mt Isa, Cloncurry and Julia Creek so far, undertaking mainly tarping activities.

"Joint State and Commonwealth–funded Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA) funding is available in eight shires, and personal hardship assistance claims can be made to Department of Communities.

"Tourists and residents need to take proper precautions, and farmers must ensure they have appropriate stores should they become temporarily isolated."

Mr Fraser said Urandangi, near the Queensland-Northern Territory border, had been hit particularly hard.

"Urandangi has been effectively cut in half and is only accessible by air. It’s just one of several communities without access in or out of town."

Mrs Kiernan said much of the region was still affected by road closures.

"Both passenger and freight drivers need to take extra care on the roads," Mrs Kiernan said.

"In remote north west Queensland, roads are lifelines that connect communities. The Department of Main Roads is working with local government, emergency services and stakeholders to restore safe access.

"North west residents have remained resolute since the flooding rains began. In many cases these rains are wholeheartedly welcomed after years of being ravaged by drought.

"There have also been over 30 SES volunteers assist across the region, along with police, EMQ and other personnel.

"I would like to thank all the officers and volunteers who are providing assistance in this difficult time."

Flood warnings remain current for the Diamantina River, upstream of the Diamantina Lakes, the Georgina River and Burke River as well as the Nicholson, Gregory, Albert, Leichhardt and Flinders Rivers.

Further showers and thunderstorms are expected from the Gulf Country through to the Central West.

Media Contact:
Minister Fraser: 3224 6361
Emergency Services: 3247 8997