The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries has announced that for the first time since 2013, less than 10 per cent of Queensland is drought-declared.
Full or partial full or partial drought, declarations have been revoked for the Shire Councils of Boulia, McKinlay, Richmond, Livingstone and Winton, and the Regional Councils of Barcaldine, Longreach, Isaac and Whitsunday.
“For the first time since 2013 the Local Government Areas of Barcaldine, Boulia, Longreach, McKinlay, Richmond, Winton and Isaac are drought-free,” the Department said in a statement.
“Only the Diamantina and Bulloo Shire Councils remain drought-declared.”
Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries, Mark Furner said some primary producers had done it tough during a long drought, so the widespread improvement in seasonal conditions was a welcome relief.
“Consecutive La Niñas and high rainfall have resulted in this fantastic outcome for our primary producers,” Mr Furner said.
“Primary producers in recently drought-revoked areas can access freight subsidies for restocking and returning from agistment under the Drought Relief Assistance Scheme (DRAS) for up to two years.”
He said the DRAS was being phased out as areas came out of drought, but with new reforms, primary producers no longer needed to be in a drought-declared area to access assistance.
“Drought assistance in Queensland has been broadened and is, for the first time, open to eligible primary producers across all agricultural sectors with a focus on resilience and preparedness for the next drought,” Mr Furner said.
“More than 270 primary producers have already applied for drought preparedness assistance under the new programs, and I hope many more farmers join them.”
