Cash floods in for farms

DONATIONS are flooding in to help Queensland’s drought-stricken farmers, with some councils not experiencing rain in a number of years.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk kicked off the Queensland Drought Appeal by donating $100,000 on behalf of all Queenslanders.

News Corp Australia has joined with 7 News and the Queensland Country Womens Association to launch the appeal after a wave of public awareness about the issue. Energy giant Santos was the first major company to join the cause, pledging to today sell off 21 head of cattle at the Ekka, with all proceeds going to the appeal. It is expected about $40,000 will be raised as a result.

Shell pledged $100,000 to the appeal but expects the figure could grow by $50,000 based on contributions from Shell employees.

“We know regional communities are doing it tough at the moment with over half of Queensland in drought,” Santos managing director and CEO Kevin Gallagher said. “Helping each other out is what good neighbours do.

The Queensland Parliamentary Media Gallery has also contributed $25,000.

Ms Palaszczuk said the money would be raised for the QCWA, who could then distribute it on a needs basis.

“There are over 200 Country Women’s Association branches spread right throughout Queensland and these organisations are able to meet with the families one-on-one and get that money out the door to where it is needed the most,” she said.

With almost 90 per cent of the state in drought last year, Ms Palaszczuk said it was important to support the appeal.

Opposition Leader Deb Frecklington said she supported the appeal but called on Ms Palaszczuk to scrap her “anti-farming” Vegetation Management laws to help those doing it tough.