Parts of Queensland declared drought-affected for the first time in two years
Significant areas of southern Queensland have been officially declared drought-affected after months of below-average rainfall. The government has introduced interest-free loan schemes to assist struggling primary producers.
For the first time in two years, parts of southern Queensland have been officially declared drought-affected. The areas impacted include the local government regions of Balonne, Goondiwindi, and Southern Downs, as well as the southern part of Maranoa. The formal declaration follows at least 12 months of consistently below-average rainfall and significantly poor pasture growth, leaving farmers in a precarious position as they enter a challenging season.
For cattle producers in the region near Roma, the impact is already being felt daily. James and Nat Stinson, who operate the Mount Abundance property, reported receiving only 120 millimetres of rain throughout the current year. This lack of moisture has left the ground dry and vegetation sparse, forcing the Stinsons to rely on expensive supplementary feed to maintain their herd. They describe the current conditions as quite difficult, with the drought beginning to place significant pressure on their standard daily operations.
To mitigate the financial impact on the agricultural sector, the Crisafulli government has reinstated two key drought-assistance loan schemes. Eligible primary producers can now access interest-free loans of up to $50,000 for emergency relief and up to $250,000 to cover essential business carry-on expenses. These loans aim to provide a vital buffer for farmers managing the high costs of feed and water, though there remains a cautious sentiment among some producers about the long-term burden of taking on further debt during such uncertain times.
Queensland Primary Industries Minister Tony Perrett, who identifies as a grazier himself, acknowledged the gravity of the situation. He stated that the government understands the hardships families are facing and that the declaration serves as an official recognition of the tight financial and environmental conditions currently plaguing the industry. For the government, the focus remains on ensuring that these support mechanisms effectively reach the producers who need them most to keep their businesses operational.
As farmers like the Stinsons look ahead, the immediate priority remains holding on until conditions improve. Management strategies have become essential, involving early weaning of calves and careful paddock rotation to conserve what little feed remains. While the ground is currently extremely dry, there is a collective hope that rain in the coming months will allow producers to capitalize on the season and facilitate a recovery. For now, the agricultural community in southern Queensland remains in a state of watchful waiting.