Balonne Shire Council has welcomed the Queensland Government’s drought declaration for the Shire, meaning the Emergency Drought Assistance Loan Scheme which provides interest-free loans of up to $50,000 for eligible landholders will be reinstated.
The declaration also extends to Goondiwindi, Southern Downs and part of Maranoa local government areas, following prolonged periods of below-average rainfall.
Balonne Shire Mayor, Samantha O’Toole said the drought declaration is a welcomed step to support primary producers.
“Although we had flooding pass through our area earlier this year, the flooding passed through the river systems from rain upstream and the pastures mostly missed out on much needed rainfalls,” said Mayor O’Toole.
“We have had some rainfalls during the winter months, but this was not widespread and the pasture conditions vary greatly across the Shire.
“In general, rainfall in Balonne has certainly been well below average, which is impacting the pastures that our primary producers in the region rely on for their ongoing viability.”
The Government has also reinstated support through the Drought Carry-on Finance Loan Scheme, which will provide interest-free loans of up to $250,000 for business carry-on expenses. These load schemes can accessed through QRIDA and Primary Producers will need to have
a Farm Resilience Business Plan in place, which can be arranged with the support of Rural Financial Counselling Service.
“Agriculture is our major economic driver in Balonne and we welcome the support now available to our primary producers to support their efforts through this challenging time,” said Mayor O’Toole.
“Our primary producers also create much needed food and fibre for our State and Nation, so this support means primary producers can continue providing these vital agricultural products to the broader community.
“I urge any primary producers in the area to access this support from the Queensland Government where needed, so that they can continue their operations and the valuable flow-on impacts it creates for our local economy and community,” she said.
For more information on drought assistance programs, visit www.business.qld.gov.au/industries/farms-fishing-forestry/agriculture/disaster/drought.
