Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Minister John McVeigh is urging primary producers severely affected by the current outbreak of bushfires in regional Queensland to make an Individually Disaster Stricken Property (IDSP) application.

Minister McVeigh said after a long run of good seasons, there had been significant pasture growth inland increasing the chance of bushfires.

“With the dry weather over the last few months, conditions have dramatically increased the risk of bushfires until the wet season gets underway,” Mr McVeigh said.

“Dozens of fires have been burning in numerous locations, causing extensive loss of pasture and some infrastructure.

“Areas particularly affected include Hughenden, Georgetown, Cunnamulla, Thargomindah, Tambo, Crows Nest, the North Burnett and Gympie.

“North of Hughenden there has been more than 200,000 hectares burnt, with at least three large properties losing most or all of their pasture.  One set of yards has been destroyed as well as hundreds of kilometres of fences.

“There are also reports of properties near Cunnamulla, Thargomindah and Mt Isa losing pasture due to bushfires.”

Primary producers who have suffered substantial loss from a natural disaster should contact the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry on 13 25 23 as soon as reasonably possible and request an IDSP assessment.

If an IDSP is granted, producers may be eligible to access:

Concessional loans through QRAA to primary producers of up to $250,000

Up to $5000 in freight assistance from DAFF on the transportation cost of a mix of items including:

• fodder for livestock; 

• removal of livestock; 

• replacement of building materials and equipment; 

• restocking of animals killed by the natural disaster; 

• transport of drinking water onto the property for livestock.

For more information visit www.daff.qld.gov.au or call 13 25 23.

Source: QDAFF