June 28, 2019
The State Government has announced it will no longer support farmers during future droughts with fodder and water freight subsidies.
This is one of the recommendations in the long-awaited drought report, released on Friday, but the change will not apply during the current drought.
Agriculture Minister Mark Furner said the review had identified issues with aspects of the current drought support program, such as the unwanted outcome of “potentially encouraging sub-optimal management practices” on some droughted properties.
“One recommendation is that we cease fodder and water freight subsidies and livestock freight subsidies in future droughts,” Mr Furner said.
“That will be a major transition for the livestock sector, however we will work closely with industry to reshape future programs and improve existing ones.”
However, the recommendation was described as “another cruel blow for regional Queenslanders” by the State Opposition,
Opposition Leader and Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington said cutting water and transport subsidies that kept cattle alive and helped crops survive was devastating for farmers.
“Queensland farmers have received a kick in the guts while they’re on their knees,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“Water is already too expensive. These cuts will force farmers off the land.
“Annastacia Palaszczuk is out of touch and her priorities are all wrong.
“Our farmers are the lifeblood of Queensland, but the Palaszczuk Labor Government is failing them.”
The LNP has previously criticised the State Government for failing to release the drought review report.
“This report was completed in January and it took six months to be released – and now we know why,” Shadow Agriculture Minister Tony Perrett said.
The drought review report was prepared by former Queensland Farmers Federation CEO Ruth Wade and former AgForce CEO Charles Burke.
They made 20 recommendations following a review that included consultation with industry stakeholders.
Mr Furner said the State Government had accepted 13 of the recommendations and accepted in principle a further six.
Key recommendations accepted by the State Government include:
- A new system for Queensland drought declarations that will transition to a “more objective, science-based framework” by 2021;
- Continue land rent rebates, water licence waivers, drought communities program, Drought Relief from Electricity Charges, Rural Financial Counselling Service drought supplement, Tackling Regional Adversity through Integrated Care, and Rural Flying Doctor Drought Wellbeing Service;
- Future-focused drought preparedness and recovery programs;
- Support Queensland Drought and Climate Adaptation Program; and
- Explore support for Individual Business Risk Management Planning for farm businesses.
More than 60 written submissions were received and seven forums were held across regional Queensland as part of the review process.
