Paroo out of drought for the first time in nearly a decade

Paroo Shire will be officially out of drought from December 1, for the first time since 2013, bringing the area of Queensland still drought declared down to 38.1 per cent.

Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Furner said he had accepted the recommendation of the Paroo Local Drought Committees (LDC) to revoke the region’s drought status, effective tomorrow, due to ongoing average to well-above-average rainfall since the start of the year.

“Over the past six months there has been green flush and excellent herbage growth,” Mr Furner said.

“LDCs in remaining drought declared areas are still monitoring pasture recovery as the wet season approaches.

“Primary producers in drought-revoked areas can access freight subsidies for restocking and returning from agistment under the Drought Relief Assistance Scheme (DRAS).

“If a producer believes they are still experiencing difficult conditions in a council area that is no longer drought declared, then they could apply for an Individually Droughted Property (IDP) declaration. This will continue to give them the same access to drought assistance as a current area declaration.”

The drought declaration map can be viewed at longpaddock.qld.gov.au  

Under the Palaszczuk Government’s ground-breaking drought reforms primary producers no longer need to be in a drought declared area to access assistance.

For further information on drought assistance visit daf.qld.gov.au or call the Customer Service Centre on 13 25 23.

ENDS

Media contact:          Ron Goodman            0427 781 920