The state government has revoked the drought status of Cloncurry Shire Council based on the advice of Local Drought Committees however Cloncurry mayor Greg Campbell is unconvinced this is the correct decision.
“It’s an interesting decision, especially when you look at a map and see all the councils around us still drought declared,” Cr Campbell said.
“I understand there are a lot of places that have had some good relief rain but it think it would have been easier to keep the status.”
Cr Campbell said he was talking to local farmers about it but was disappointed the government has not spoken directly to him about their decision.
Earlier Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Leanne Donaldson said the latest assessment of wet-season rainfall and pasture growth shows most of the state remains in the grip of drought but Cloncurry had some relief.
“Cloncurry was fortunate to receive widespread but patchy rainfall resulting in pasture growth,” Ms Donaldson said.
“Producers who missed out can apply for an Individually Droughted Property Declaration (IDP), to continue to access Queensland Government drought assistance.
“Overall it has been a disappointing wet season, with not enough rain falling where it was most needed.”
Queensland’s total drought-declared area is now 83.9%, down slightly from the record high of 86.11%.”
The Minister said that it was disappointing that rainfall earlier in the year had been patchy and although it brought welcome temporary relief for some graziers, there had not been enough rain over the majority of western Queensland to make a telling difference.
“This is the fourth failed wet season in a row for many communities in that part of the state,” the Minister said.
“We have lifted from $30,000 to $40,000 the maximum annual DRAS (Drought Relief Assistance Scheme) support for property owners in the third and/or subsequent year of drought and with an approved Drought Management Plan in place.”
Primary producers should check the DRAS guidelines to confirm their eligibility for assistance.
Producers who have had their drought declaration revoked become eligible to receive restocking and returning from agistment freight subsidy assistance through the DRAS scheme for up to two years after the end of the drought declaration.