The Federal Government has accepted the advice of the National Rural Advisory Council (NRAC) following the Council’s review of the 18 Queensland Exceptional Circumstances (EC) declared areas due to expire on 15 June 2008.

NRAC assesses areas which are nearing the end of Exceptional Circumstances (EC) declarations and advises the Government on whether conditions have deteriorated or improved.

One of the key considerations for the Council is whether rainfall has improved from the one-in-20-to-25-year event criteria, which means a number of areas are now coming out of EC.

NRAC advises seasonal conditions hadn’t improved sufficiently to allow producers to return to more typical management practices in the following regions across southern Queensland:

• Burnett
• Central Darling Downs
• Northern Darling Downs
• South West
• Western Downs – Maranoa

The Government has accepted NRAC’s advice and will extend EC assistance to eligible farmers and small businesses in these five areas until 15 June 2009.

NRAC advised that conditions had improved and a sustained recovery has started for the Burnett Addendum; Central Coast; Central Mid-West; Emerald-Bauhinia; Hinchinbrook-Thuringowa; Mackay-Whitsunday; Peak Downs; Southern Darling Downs; Southern Murweh; Stanthorpe-Inglewood; North-West Ashy Downs; Southern South-East; and Sunshine Coast areas.

The Government has accepted NRAC’s advice and will not extend EC assistance to eligible farmers and businesses in these 13 areas beyond 16 June 2008.

“However, NRAC did consider that some producers in the North-West Ashy Downs area had missed out on significant rainfall events,” Mr Burke said.

“If the Queensland Government submits a revised boundary for the North-West Ashy Downs area, I will be happy to consider further NRAC advice.

“A timely submission covering a revised boundary may help those producers still impacted by the drought in the region.

“The Rudd Government also recognises that it can take time for farmers to begin earning money again after years of drought.

“The Federal Budget included the new Transitional Income Support Program, to help eligible farmers with daily living expenses – keeping food on the table and the kids at school.

“Before this program, some farmers coming off EC payments did not have access to any other short-term welfare support. This support will be available to eligible farmers from 16 June 2008.”

The Government also recently extended the appointments of a number of NRAC members who were originally appointed by the former government. Chairman Keith Perrett and Council members Keryl Enright, Georgina Somerset and Sharon Starick have been appointed for an additional year.

“We will continue drawing on their expertise in rural issues as the difficult drought continues for many communities,” Mr Burke said.

For more information phone the drought assistance hotline on 13 23 16.