The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries is continuing to roll out drought-assistance measures with more than 8,000 State land lessees set to receive a 12-month land rent reprieve.
Minister for Resources, Scott Stewart said, as about 65 per cent of Queensland was officially drought declared, it was right to give eligible landholders more time to pay their bills.
“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,” Mr Stewart said.
“While the wet season has brought needed relief for some areas of Queensland, there are still 40 Local Governments drought declared.”
Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities, Mark Furner said agricultural production was a traditional strength of the State’s economy, and this assistance was 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.”
He said land rent relief was applied to businesses, farmers and individuals that held 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,” Mr Furner said.
