Rent reprieve boosts drought assistance for primary producers in Queensland

The Palaszczuk Government is continuing to roll out drought assistance measures with more than 8,000 Queensland state land lessees set to receive a 12 month land rent reprieve.

Resources Minister Scott Stewart said about 65 per cent of Queensland is officially drought declared and giving eligible landholders more time to pay their bills is a small way the Palaszczuk Government can help during these tough times.

“More than $26.5 million in annual land rent is being deferred for primary production leases, licences and permits in the drought declared areas for the next 12 months,” he said

“While the wet season has brought needed relief for some areas of Queensland, there are still 40 local governments drought declared.

“There are more than 8,000 primary producers on leased state land in the drought declared areas that won’t have to pay their land rent until 1 July 2022,”

Agricultural Minister Mark Furner said agricultural production is a traditional strength of Queensland’s economy, and this assistance is designed to help farmers get back on their feet.

“To make this process as easy as possible eligible landholders have had their rent automatically deferred, they don’t have to do anything further to take up this offer of assistance,” Mr Furner said.

“Our farmers are vital to Queensland’s plan for economic recovery and we are doing everything we can to support landholders during this tough time.”

Land rent relief applies to businesses, farmers and individuals that hold a lease, licence or permit to occupy for primary production purposes on state land.

Landholders still suffering hardship after this deferral period can seek further hardship assistance by applying online. 

For further information, visit www.qld.gov.au/environment/land/state/rents/deferring/

ENDS

Media contact: Chris Lees – 0434 859 940