Welcome rain brings in the New Year
Posted by editor (editor) on Jan 05 2010
2010 >>

Widespread, useful rainfall around much of Queensland has lifted the spirits of Queensland’s farmers, and predictions suggest there is more on the way.

Acting Minister for Primary Industries, Fisheries and Rural and Regional Queensland Peter Lawlor says many producers are thrilled to receive good rain.

“Dams are filling up, rivers are running and soil is now moist enough to promote growth in the pastures and among crops,” he said.

“In the past few days the rainfall figures for some Western Queensland properties is almost the equivalent of their annual rainfall.

“There is also flooding in the central western river systems, which will help many producers who have endured years of drought.”

The Minister said good steady rainfall did not mean drought declared areas would automatically have their status revoked.

“For drought declared areas that have received very good rainfall, a decision to remove the drought status will not be made hastily,” he said.

“Local Drought Committees (LDCs) monitor conditions throughout the year and aren’t scheduled to meet until April, at the end of the wet season.

“It takes time for pastures and stock to recover and drought declarations and revocations will be dependent on the outcome for the rest of the wet season.

“The LDCs will make recommendations to the Minister for Primary Industries, Fisheries and Rural and Regional Queensland following their meeting.”

LDCs assess a range of conditions before making a recommendation for revocation and an area should receive enough rain to:

• Promote sufficient pasture growth to permit stocking at ‘normal’ or ‘near normal’ carrying capacities for the given time of the year;
• Maintain that stocking rate til further rain could reasonably be expected, and
• Provide sufficient stock water to permit stocking at these levels.

Mr Lawlor said Primary producers in drought declared shires can access Queensland government assistance, including the Drought Relief Assistance Scheme (DRAS).

“Under the scheme, eligible producers can apply for freight subsidies for the transport of fodder and water and restocking and return of livestock from agistment in the recovery period,” he said.

“If producers are not in a drought declared shire and believe they are experiencing drought conditions, they can also apply for assistance under an Individually Droughted Property (IDP) declaration.

“To obtain an IDP declaration, producers should apply to Queensland Agriculture Food and Tourism (QAFT), part of the Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation.

“Areas that will benefit from recent falls include parts of the Channel Country, which is the home of organic beef and is noted for its cattle backgrounding and fattening capacity.

“While it’s inevitable there will be some flood damage to infrastructure and loss of livestock weakened by drought, the rain was much needed by a generally thirsty State.

“With rivers rising, there are road and rail closures around Queensland, particularly in rural areas, and I urge travellers to be cautious and check with local authorities before making any plans.

“It’s also important to note that some regions, including parts of central Queensland , have received only patchy rain to date and there are some areas that are still experiencing very dry conditions.

“Overall the rain has been a positive start to 2010 and a hopeful sign for the agricultural year ahead.”

Last changed: Jan 07 2010 at 2:32 PM