Drought
Managing the seasons
Seasonal variability is an ongoing challenge for Australian farmers.
From flooding to early heat to dust storms, 2009 has been shaped by unfavourable and unseasonable climatic conditions and the situation facing Queensland and most other states is a rapid decline in weather with many areas slipping back into drought conditions.
AgForce continues to engage with state and federal governments about the way forward for drought reform.
New policies for drought reform have been on the table for some time and while AgForce has supported the use of Exceptional Circumstances in the past, we have never avoided a debate on the potential for reform.
A policy framework which includes ‘preparedness’ is part of the future of national drought policy – but any talk of drought reform must be held in the context of prevailing seasonal conditions and on the premise that agriculture has had time to recover from the previous drought.
The quick deterioration of native pastures in grazing areas and the declining potential for crop yields in farming areas means there has been little opportunity for producers to recover, let alone put preparedness measures in place.
Drought policy has to be practical and has to meet the needs of producers in tough times. While a policy of drought preparedness is preferable, it has to be based on a foundation of good seasons to ensure producers can prepare for drought.
Who can help?
AgForce has prepared the following exit strategy for producers impacted by drought:
Seasonal variability is an ongoing challenge for Australian farmers.
From flooding to early heat to dust storms, 2009 has been shaped by unfavourable and unseasonable climatic conditions and the situation facing Queensland and most other states is a rapid decline in weather with many areas slipping back into drought conditions.
AgForce continues to engage with state and federal governments about the way forward for drought reform.
New policies for drought reform have been on the table for some time and while AgForce has supported the use of Exceptional Circumstances in the past, we have never avoided a debate on the potential for reform.
A policy framework which includes ‘preparedness’ is part of the future of national drought policy – but any talk of drought reform must be held in the context of prevailing seasonal conditions and on the premise that agriculture has had time to recover from the previous drought.
The quick deterioration of native pastures in grazing areas and the declining potential for crop yields in farming areas means there has been little opportunity for producers to recover, let alone put preparedness measures in place.
Drought policy has to be practical and has to meet the needs of producers in tough times. While a policy of drought preparedness is preferable, it has to be based on a foundation of good seasons to ensure producers can prepare for drought.
Who can help?
AgForce has prepared the following exit strategy for producers impacted by drought:
| Issue | Contact information |
| Exceptional Circumstances Relief Payments Transitional income support Age Pension Carer Pension. | Centrelink Southern Qld: Hilary Weedon: 0428 661 622 Western and northern Qld: Alicia East: 0428 413 573 Centrelink Farm Assistance hotline: 1800 050 585 |
| Interest subsidies Drought Carry on Loans Drought recovery loans PIPES Loans | QRAA Rob McCullagh: 1800 623 946 |
| Free basic legal advice | Legal Aid Queensland - Farm and Rural Legal Service Denis Mahon: 0408 983 916 |
| State drought issues including freight subsidies, applying for IDPs, contacting State Farm Financial Counsellors. | Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries Call Centre line: 13 25 23 |
| Help to identify financial and business options and many other things. | Rural Financial Counsellors - Commonwealth 1800 686 175 |
| Usually used for complaints about drought revocation | Commonwealth Drought Assistance Hotline 132316 |
| Personal support, referrals and cash and relocation assistance | The Bush Connection Pam Bryce: 4639 7813 |
| Assistance in dealing with government departments, both State and Federal. | Federal Members of Parliament Bruce Scott: 4662 3822 or 4669 8024 Warren Truss: 4121 2936 Ian Macfarlane: 4632 4144 |
| If you are experiencing difficulty paying tax due to the drough | Australian Taxation Office 13 11 42 Select option 3. There are two forms of assistance available: more time to pay tax debts without interest charges, or payment by instalment without interest charges |
| Personal support and assistance for self and family | Lifeline 131144 |
| Relationships Australia 1300 364 277 | |
| Mensline Australia 1300 789 978 | |
| BeyondBlue 1300 224 636 | |
| National Suicide call back hotline 1300 659 467 |