Drought appeal launched
Queenslanders urged to dig deep
QUEENSLANDERS have been urged to dig deep to give much-needed relief to drought-stricken farmers. Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk yesterday launched the Queensland Drought Appeal with The Chronicle, News Corp’s regional Queensland papers, The Courier-Mail and Sunday Mail joining forces with 7 News and the Country Women’s Association to raise awareness during the state’s showcase bush event, the Ekka. Kicking off the appeal, Ms Palaszczuk and Agriculture Minister Mark Furner announced the State Government would contribute $100,000. The Premier acknowledged the drought was taking its toll on farmers throughout Australia, and now was the appropriate time to start the appeal, given the wave of public awareness around the issue.
“We haven’t forgotten our farmers, we have been making sure that families are getting the help that they need, but there has been a national awareness that has been raised as well, so we want to make sure our Queensland farmers are benifiting from that appeal,” she said.
“That’s why our small donation of $100,000 is on behalf of Queenslanders.”
Anyone who would like to donate to the appeal can visit the Queensland Drought Appeal site or SMS “drought” to 0484 200 200.
Over half of Queensland remains in drought. Some of the 23 local council areas droughtdeclared have been without rain since 2013. This year’s summer was the driest on record in Qld since 1989-90, making it the 15th most dry since records were created.