Drought Program reviewed
THE Palaszczuk Government has commissioned a review of the Drought Program to improve resilience and assistance for farmers in future droughts.
Minister for Agricultural Industry Development Mark Furner recently announced that an independent expert panel would conduct the review.
“Droughts are part of life in Queensland and our producers are very experienced with the big droughts and the big floods that often end them,” he said.
“However, even the most resilient and well-prepared producer and their community can struggle in a crippling and prolonged long drought such as this one.”
The expert panel will hold forums in six regional centres and will seek written submissions through the drought program review website through September and October.
Details on how to make submissions will be online from mid next month.
The panel will deliver recommendations early next year.
The government also recently appointed two drought commissioners who will report directly to the government on the impact of the current situation and any issues with assistance for producers, their families and communities.
For more details, visit qld.gov.au/droughtreview YOUNG dairy enthusiasts from across the Far North will converge at Malanda in October for the popular biennial All Breeds Educational Dairy Camp.
To be held at the Malanda Showgrounds from October 3-5, culminating with a calf day on October 6, the camp covers calf care, clipping, judging, parading, photographing and promoting dairy cattle.
The camp also teaches participants about personal care and public speaking.
All Breeds Committee member and Malanda dairy farmer Greg English said the camp was aimed at engaging young people who may be interested in dairy farming.
“There are so many kids who show an interest in dairy cattle and that’s evidenced by the large turnout at our agricultural shows, both from private farms and school teams who prepare and show dairy cattle,” he said.
He said it was a unique event in that it also brings together breeders of the four main breeds on the Tablelands – Holstein, Illawarra, Jersey and Brown Swiss – who work to promote the industry.
“The camp’s primary goal is to give the participants an opportunity to learn more about dairy cattle but it goes beyond that,” Mr English said.
“It teaches them teamwork and about living together, as they camp on site for the duration.”
Early bird registrations before September 1 cost $90, and $100 after that.