Emergency fodder aids western Queensland primary producers

A $5 million Emergency Fodder Support Package is now available to help western Queensland primary producers in the grip of the current flood emergency.

Eligible farmers in the local government areas of Barcoo, Boulia, Bulloo, Diamantina, Longreach, Murweh, Paroo, Quilpie, and Winton can apply for the assistance.

Fodder can be used to sustain livestock and respond to the impacts of the catastrophic flooding being seen across the region, which has swamped pastures and isolated many stations.

The urgent assistance package is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

Where possible fodder will be delivered by road trains, and via helicopter to the worst impacted areas.

The Department of Primary Industries is working with Local Disaster Management Groups to ensure this emergency fodder is distributed around the clock.

Emergency fodder is critical to Queensland’s response and recovery efforts in the region.

The package will address economic challenges, animal welfare and land management issues, reducing the loss of livestock and pasture, and protecting food security for the state and nation.

Over the past week, record-breaking rains have hammered Queensland's outback. with the south-west seeing particularly heavy falls.

In some areas seven-day rainfall totals have already exceeded the annual average.

Many remote communities and properties are preparing to be cut off for weeks to come, making the Emergency Fodder Support Package vital right now.

Primary producers wishing to access DRFA emergency fodder support should contact their relevant local council to make arrangements for distribution.