Pollies’ backs turned on bush

IT’S no news to anyone the struggle our Queensland farmers are going through at the moment.

It’s not just the drought they have had to battle over the years but also unfair tariffs and subsidies provided to farmers overseas.

But for me, the most disappointing thing is our own state and federal governments’ neglect.

It has to be an absolute disaster before any politician reacts.

And then half the time it’s only for their own political gain through public relations.

If you want to see when governments changed their attitude towards our farmers and our people in the bush, go back to the day premier Joh Bjelke-petersen was voted out of government.

That was the day southeast Queensland and federal governments turned their collective backs on the bush.

As an example, the mining companies have been dragging commodities out of central Queensland for years, yet not one country town reflects the amount of money local and federal governments have received.

The kids out in central Queensland should have the best schools ever and the towns they live in should be beacons of opportunity.

But to survive they rely on sausage sizzles and raffles – just to get the bare necessities.

It’s the most ridiculous situation you could ever imagine. FRED MCCULLOCH, Pimlico.