Arabic version: إعلان مناطق في جنوب كوينزلاند متضررة من الجفاف

According to ABC News, parts of southern Queensland have been declared drought-affected for the first time in two years after months of below-average rain. The declaration covers the Balonne, Goondiwindi and Southern Downs local government areas, as well as the southern part of Maranoa.

The affected areas have experienced at least 12 months of below-average rainfall and poor pasture growth. Around Roma, cattle producers are facing dwindling feed supplies as dry conditions place increasing pressure on farms.

At Mount Abundance near Roma, cattle producers James and Nat Stinson said their property had received about 120 millimetres of rain so far this year. The family has weaned calves early and is feeding them, while the breeding herd could require supplementary feed within weeks if paddocks continue to dry out. They are also considering planting another crop for stored silage feed, moving cattle between paddocks and selling some animals to manage available feed.

The Crisafulli government has reinstated two drought-assistance loan schemes. Eligible primary producers can apply for interest-free loans of up to $50,000 for emergency assistance and up to $250,000 for business carry-on expenses. Queensland Primary Industries Minister Tony Perrett said the government was committed to supporting the agricultural sector through drought. Mr Stinson said the declaration recognised that conditions were tight, while cautioning that additional debt may not suit every producer.