$2 million in fodder support for flood affected north-west graziers

A $2 million Coordinated Emergency Support Package has been announced to help graziers in Carpentaria, Cloncurry, Flinders, McKinlay and Richmond Shires following recent record-breaking floods across the northern outback.

The funding, provided by the Australian and Queensland Governments through the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), will go towards jet fuel, helicopter hire and the extraordinary wages associated with aerial fodder distribution.

Intense rainfall since Christmas has turned the north-west interior into an inland sea.

Floodwaters have left many farmers unable to access fodder and other essential resources, with paddocks still flooded and major roads cut.

This targeted investment from the state and federal governments will ensure fodder can reach stranded cattle and sheep until flood levels recede.

Guaranteeing the ongoing distribution of fodder will help protect livestock, safeguard food security, and support farmers through this extremely challenging period.

The welfare of livestock during this time is critical, particularly as primary producers work to mitigate the impacts of this extreme flooding on their stock and land.

Farmers in need of fodder support are urged to contact their local council immediately.

Impacted primary producers in the council areas of Carpentaria, Cloncurry, Croydon, Flinders, McKinlay and Richmond can also access low-interest disaster loans up to $250,000 via QRIDA to assist with their recovery.

The Queensland and Australian Governments continue to work closely with communities impacted by this latest northern monsoon trough and are positioned to activate all necessary funding support to recover and rebuild.