60% OF QUEENSLAND IN DROUGHT

Last year we could not get on our turf production farms across Queensland due to unusual rain events causing floods. Now with the continuing hot, dry weather it has put more than 60% per cent of Queensland into drought.

Australia is a dry continent and we are all very much aware of the constant change within our climate across the state as we attempt to manage yield and profitability.

Our dams and water storage are basically full state wide but this dry time requires constant irrigation and increased water and energy cost as well as increased man power to ensure quality turfgrass availability at this peak time of spring and summer. Efficiency in all production processes both on and off farm is critical to maximise any available profits.

Queensland Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFFQ) Minister John McVeigh said Charters Towers, Central Highlands, Woorabinda, Isaac, Barcaldine and the remainder of Blackall-Tambo shires had been added to the growing list of drought-declared areas. This takes the number of drought-declared shires to 25, including seven part-declared. There are also 25 individually droughted property (IDP) declarations in place in three other shires.

The Queensland Government is providing some relief from rent increases for affected producers, and also eligible producers can apply for the Drought Relief Assistance Scheme (DRAS). DRAS provides up to 50% freight subsidies on fodder and water while an area is drought declared and freight subsidies for restocking and returning from agistment after the drought declaration is revoked.

DRAS now also provides a rebate of 50% for water infrastructure purchased to meet emergency animal welfare needs, as part of the new drought assistance package recently announced.

The Queensland State Government will provide up to $20,000 (excluding GST) to drought-declared producers under DRAS each financial year. Producers applying for DRAS including the Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate should contact the Queensland Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.