Drought relief as Summer heats up

Mother Nature has certainly thrown a mixed bag of conditions at the Burnett inland this week with patchy rain areas and high temperatures. The unstable conditions have no doubt contributed to the Burnett Inland Economic Development Organisation (BIEDO) fielding increasing enquiries in relation to drought across the Burnett Inland.

BIEDO CEO Kristy Frahm said the organisation was assisting with connecting producers with measures, initiatives, and services available to support them during challenging times.

“This has been an extraordinary year with businesses facing drought and COVID-19, so government agencies and community groups are doing what they can to give people a hand up by providing
assistance or information.”

“BIEDO is committed to getting the message out there to as many producers as possible through our Hand Up database, so they can take advantage of these initiatives,” Ms Frahm said.

BIEDO Project Officer, Alan Broome has seen firsthand what is happening on drought-stricken land.

“Young crops are suffering under the hot dry conditions, or areas remain to be planted.

“Pasture growth from the October rains lacks bulk and is rapidly drying off or being eaten down.

“A producer advised that any rain ran off sloping country resulting in limited grass growth and he is now looking to resume supplementary feeding,” Mr Broome said.

Senior Agriculture Extension Officer at the Department of Agriculture, Damien O’Sullivan addressed an Ag Network gathering recently noting “forecasts of a wet winter and spring under La Nina have
failed to materialise, with some questioning if it will happen at all,” he said.

Mr O’Sullivan suggested the Weekly Tropical Climate Note issued by the Bureau of Meteorology was one of the most comprehensive insights as to when elusive rain might fall.

Widespread media coverage of record crops and an end to the drought in the south seem to ignore the ongoing problems in Queensland, where surface and underground water supplies remain depleted
in many areas.

While cattle prices have been at record levels, many producers' have lacked the stock from several years of drought to capitalise on this situation.

Ms Frahm reminded Burnett producers there is a growing database of financial and support services available as both the North Burnett and South Burnett regions remain drought declared.

“As an example of the support available, QCWA have confirmed their Public Rural Crisis Fund is still open, and we strongly encourage farmers impacted by drought to consider applying for the Natural
Disaster strand of up to $1000 worth of support should they require assistance,” Ms Frahm said.

For anyone experiencing emotional distress, Lifeline provides all Australians with access to 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention services by phoning 13 11 14.

For a respectful and confidential chat about what is available to landholders impacted by drought, contact BIEDO on 0400 695 456 or email BIEDO.

Find out more and apply for the QCWA Public Rural Crisis Fund here.

Access the latest edition of BIEDO’s Hand Up for contact details and info can be found here. 

Log on to the Weekly Tropical Climate Note here. 

Media Release courtesy of BIEDO.