While many dairy farms have received some relief with the recent rain, drought declarations remain across most of the state. Drought declarations rely on the advice provided by local drought committees that consider seasonal conditions, pasture growth and water availability; so, while on the face of it, a local area may have received significant rains, it may not have been sufficient or sustained to provide lasting drought relief.
If widespread rain continues to be received and a local drought committee is confident livestock has adequate feed and water available, it may recommend to the Queensland Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries for an area or shire to have its drought declaration revoked. It is a difficult balance to ensure that there has been adequate rainfall to not only fill water reservoirs, but also to effectively soak the ground.
Once drought declaration for a Local Government Area is revoked producers are no longer able to apply for freight subsidies for transporting fodder and water, the emergency water infrastructure rebate or drought relief from electricity charges.
Therefore, it is important to regularly submit applications for these assistance measures up until the time the drought declaration in your area or shire is revoked.
Producers can also apply for Individual Droughted Properties status if their situation has not improved.
Please email torie@qdo.org.au or phone QDO on 3236 2955 and ask for Torie if you would like assistance with any of these of these applications.
Two types of assistance remain available after a property is no longer drought declared: freight subsidies for transporting livestock returning from agistment and freight subsidies for transporting livestock purchased for restocking.
For more information on eligibility for these visit the Business Queensland website https://www.business.qld.gov.au/industries/farms-fishing-forestry/agriculture/rural-disaster-recovery/drought/assistance/dras-subsidies or contact the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries 13 25 23.