South Burnett Drought Committee
Cr Kathy Duff, the Rural Resilience Portfolio holder, moved a Notice of Motion at the October General Council Meeting that was supported by Council to support BIEDO,
to form a South Burnett Drought Support Committee.
The Committee is made up of representatives from BIEDO, Council and an invitation will be extended to Red Earth members. The purpose of the committee is to collect funds specifically to support farmers and businesses in the South Burnett adversely affected by drought.
Recently BIEDO hosted Kumbia and Murgon sessions of the Burnett Inland Disaster Resilience Roadshow. “These sessions highlighted the severity of the current dry weather on landholders and businesses in the region, and also that the previous support such as freight subsidies for water and fodder were no longer available. I think a lot of farmers did not realise that this assistance had been removed. I know there is a real need to have support on the ground right now as this drought continues to bite.” Cr Duff said.
“I have been approached by local service clubs wanting to donate specifically to the South Burnett. This committee would use any donated funds to purchase vouchers for fodder, fuel and drought supplies from local stores. When farmers are doing it tough, businesses are doing it tough, so we want to be able to support the small businesses as well.” Cr Duff said.
BIEDO is collaborating with GIVIT to ensure that donations distributed via the South Burnett Drought Support Committee would have tax deductible status. BIEDO will be the central point for collection for donations for impacted farmers and businesses.
For further information contact Council on 4189 9100 or email info@sbrc.qld.gov.au.
