Drought declarations lifted in Barcaldine and Fraser Coast regional council areas
The after-effects of summer rain continue to be felt across Queensland with the revocation of the drought status of a number of shires in the central Queensland region. Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries Tim Mulherin said several shires now in the new Barcaldine, Fraser Coast and North Burnett Regional councils were now no longer drought declared.
(Media-Newswire.com) - The after-effects of summer rain continue to be felt across Queensland with the revocation of the drought status of a number of shires in the central Queensland region.
Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries Tim Mulherin said several shires now in the new Barcaldine, Fraser Coast and North Burnett Regional councils were now no longer drought declared.
Mr Mulherin said the drought declarations had been lifted on the recommendation of local drought committees in Longreach and Maryborough.
The revocations took affect from April 30, 2008 in the former Barcaldine and Aramac shires, and on April 13, 2008 in Biggenden Shire and a part of Tiaro Shire.
“Although these areas are no longer drought declared, 58.3 per cent of the land area of Queensland remains drought declared by the State Government,’’ Mr Mulherin said.
“The drought-declared areas are mainly in the southern half of the state although local drought committees are continuing to meet and further recommendations on shires’ drought status are expected.’’
The winter seasonal outlook, according to information from the Climate Change Centre of Excellence, is for a 30 to 60 percent chance of above median rainfall for much of Queensland. While this represents a slight shift in the odds towards drier conditions, winter is the Queensland dry season.
Some regions in the about the Gulf and Cape are estimated to have a higher chance - 50 to 80 per cent of exceeding their median rainfall, however during the dry season only relatively low falls are needed to exceed the average.
Overall rainfall for much Queensland is more likely to be close to the long-term average.
“As I said after the heavy falls earlier this year, decisions would not be made immediately. Changing shires’ status would be dependent on a number of factors, including follow-up rain and pasture growth,’’ Mr Mulherin said.
“Both the areas I announced today received above average rainfall during the summer rainfall season and follow up falls in early April.
“Pastures have responded well and it is expected that available feed should be sufficient to carry livestock through until the next summer rainfall season.’’
Eligible primary producers who have had their drought declaration revoked will have access to freight subsidy assistance for restocking and returning livestock from agistment during the recovery phase.
Producers in these areas who believe they have not received adequate rainfall to alleviate drought conditions can contact the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries to discuss eligibility for an Individually Droughted Property declaration to continue accessing assistance.
Individual drought declared properties have the same access to assistance as those in a declared region.
For information on drought assistance, contact the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries on 13 25 23 or www.dpi.qld.gov.au
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