Drought support increased for QLD

THE Queensland Government will appoint two drought commissioners and inject $9 million into programs to deal with the social and financial impacts of the drought on regional Queensland communities and families.

The Premier said drought commissioners Vaughan Johnson and Mark O’Brien had agreed to work without remuneration to personally provide her with firsthand information about the effectiveness of drought assistance across affected areas of Queensland.

“This work will build on the success Mark and Vaughan have had as wild dog commissioners across western Queensland, and their own experience in working with welfare and community groups throughout our regions,” she said.

“They’ll advise Minister for Agricultural Industry Development, Mark Furner, and I about what is working best, and how things can be improved to deliver support to the farmers, families and small business who are doing it so tough in drought affected communities.”

The Premier also outlined an additional $8 million in funding to support mental health and financial counselling services.

“Unlike other natural disasters, the effects of drought are felt over the long-term,” the Premier said.

“There’s $8 million in total over four years to help people keep going and to help their farms and businesses keep going through this devastating drought.”

Mr Furner said an additional $1 million would put towards helping farmers access all-important fodder for their stock.

“We can’t make it rain, but we can ease the burden of keeping stock alive,” Mr Furner said.

“We will inject another $1m to increase to 2000km the maximum distance that fodder can be transported at a subsidised rate.”