Where drought funding will go
LOCKYER Valley mayor Tanya Milligan is a farmer’s daughter and says the current conditions are delaying plant crops, frustrating graziers and causing pain across the region.
“The reality is, if we don’t get some rain in the next six months, we are in dire trouble.”
She said most farmers were still optimistic the region would get some rain and the aquifers would be replenished.
“We’re a tough mob, and proud. I think the fact that so many are proud means not many will ask for assistance,” she said.
“For our community, it is devastating because these farmers have invested everything into their farms.”
Cr Milligan said even though many women in the region would talk to each other about how tough it is, getting their husbands to apply for financial help was a step many wouldn’t take.
The Federal Government made $1 million in drought relief funding available to regional councils, including the Lockyer Valley, through its Drought Communities Programme Extension.
But the funds are restricted to community infrastructure projects and are not available for individuals.
Cr Milligan listed three projects the council had received approval for, none of which have any direct link to helping primary producers cope with drought.
“It was never intended to be a direct relief measure for drought-affected farmers. Unfortunately we’re not allowed to provide any of that assistance to farmers,” she said.
Approved projects include the refurbishment of the shire hall, a path upgrade and work on a chapel at a local cemetery.