May 12, 2015
The Queensland Farmers’ Federation has welcomed the drought assistance measures contained in Tuesday night’s Federal Budget as an investment in post-drought Queensland.
QFF President Joanne Grainger said many parts of the State are in their third successive year of drought.
“Tonight’s Budget has recognised that this drought has national significance and therefore requires unique attention from the Federal Government,” Ms Grainger said.
“The prospect of capitalising on the growing demand from the Asia has never seemed more distant for drought-affected primary producers.
“The government’s $333 million drought assistance package is an investment in improving the future capacity of an industry that will be required to play an increasingly important role in the national economy over the coming years.
“This package provides for the continuation of current assistance measures, as well as investing in future opportunity.
“$35 million to fast track shovel-ready local projects will not just maintain local employment, but also improve and create infrastructure assets that can be used to grow future supply chain capacity.”
“$20 million to expand mental health, social and community support programs, $1.8 million for rural financial counsellors, and an additional $26 million to combat feral animals and weeds, represents a welcome commitment to the acute current challenges facing our State’s affected farmers.
Ms Grainger said the next test of the Federal Government’s commitment to the farming sector would be the imminent release of the eagerly awaited White Papers on Agriculture Competitiveness and the development of Northern Australia.
“The government will need to achieve a balance between the development of new areas and catering for growth and infrastructure in our existing farming regions,” Ms Grainger said.
“It is vital that substantial long-term action be committed to in the White Papers to support these positive initial measures outlined in tonight’s Budget.”
