19 March 2019

Defence assistance for the drought crisis in Queensland

Assistant Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon David Fawcett and Federal Member for Capricornia, the Hon Michelle Landry MP, today announced further support to drought-affected graziers in Queensland by facilitating grazing on Commonwealth land.

“Defence and the grazing community have worked together to make properties in the Hillview South, Hillview North and Lyndon area accessible for drought-relief grazing,” Assistant Minister Fawcett said.

“These properties are in close proximity to Defence’s Shoalwater Bay Training Area and have recently been acquired by Defence in support of the Australia-Singapore Military Training Initiative.

“Defence is committed to ensuring the Australia-Singapore Military Training Initiative delivers benefits for local communities, and recognises its role as an integral part of the Australian communities in which it trains and operates.”

Ms Landry said the decision had been made following a meeting held last month in Marlborough between Defence and interested graziers.

“Four drought-affected graziers have been selected via a ballot process and will have access to approximately 8,530 hectares of land, to graze up to 1,690 head of cattle from now through to August,” Ms Landry said.

“This initiative will offer much-needed relief to graziers struggling with the prolonged dry conditions.”

Assistant Minister Fawcett said the provision of drought relief grazing was just one of a number of initiatives that Defence had implemented to assist drought-affected graziers.

“In January 2019, almost 300 bales of hay were cut and baled on Commonwealth land adjacent to RAAF Base Amberley and distributed to local drought-affected graziers,” Assistant Minister Fawcett said.

“Defence was also able to accommodate drought relief grazing on a section of its Townsville Field Training Area between October 2018 and February 2019.”

Ends.