Almost 400 landholders in drought-declared parts of the South Burnett, Cherbourg and six other regions who were billed for annual water licence fees in February will receive either a refund or a credit for it.
The State Government announced on Monday it will be providing more assistance to landholders facing hardship due to the State’s worsening drought.
Minister for State Development Dr Anthony Lynham said that as part of the Government’s drought assistance package, annual water licence fees would be waived for any landholder who was billed in the month immediately preceding a drought declaration on March 10, 2017.
“The State Government recognises the hardship faced by many landholders and their families as a result of the drought conditions affecting many parts of Queensland,” Dr Lynham said.
“That is why landholders in the affected areas – including parts of Banana, Cherbourg, the Fraser Coast, Gympie, Bundaberg, North Burnett, Somerset and South Burnett – will receive either a refund or a credit.
“In February and March of this year, the Department of Natural Resources and Mines (DNRM) sent a total of 377 invoices to landholders in those areas which were subsequently drought declared in March.
Agriculture Minister Bill Byrne said with 69.75% of Queensland remaining drought declared, every bit of assistance to producers to help with costs was appreciated.
“Overall Queensland endured another harsh summer of well below average rainfall and above average temperatures,” Mr Byrne said.
“Waiving the annual water licence fee acknowledges that some landholders face the very real prospect of not having any water to access as dam levels drop and bore supplies dry up, and demonstrates our commitment to this vital part of the State’s economy.”
Dr Lynham said landholders should be aware that they must still comply with the provisions of their water licence or entitlement, despite the waiving of the water licence fee.
“Waiving water licence fees was one of a number of measures the State Government had taken to support landholders in drought affected areas,” Dr Lynham said.
“Since September 1, 2013 we have waived annual water licence fees for Queensland producers in drought declared areas effective from the date of the drought declaration.
“Additionally, since June 1, 2015 DNRM has waived all new water licence application fees for the take of stock and domestic water in all drought declared areas throughout Queensland.
“The State Government has also provided land rent rebates, freight subsidies for fodder and emergency water through the Drought Relief Assistance Scheme, community assistance, mental health support services and other assistance through its Drought Assistance Package.”
Further information for drought-affected landholders is available on the DNRM website, or by calling the Queensland Government on 13 QGOV (137-468).
