Queensland Treasurer Curtis Pitt has confirmed he will “look at all options” to solve the rural debt crisis.
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The Treasurer made the statement after KAP leader and Mount Isa MP Rob Katter revealed this week the KAP plan for a Rural Reconstruction Board had the support of the state government.
Mr Pitt stopped short of saying he supported the board but confirmed he had been in discussions with Mr Katter on the issue.
“I acknowledge Mr Katter’s leadership on this issue and look forward to continuing to work with him,” Mr Pitt said. “I don’t pretend for a second that there’s a simple solution to such a complex issue.
“It is having a real impact on people’s lives, so our government will look at all options to lessen that impact.”
With the support of the Treasurer, Mr Katter is hopeful a committee will be developed to undertake an investigation into the reconstruction board and bank in order to make recommendations to the state.
“I am confident of a result to stabilise debt in regional Queensland,” Mr Katter said. “The economic conditions across the agricultural sector must change."
Mount Isa MP Robbie Katter joined the Kennedy MP on a tour of towns from Hughenden to Mount Isa this week to highlight issues they said could turn communities into ghost towns.
Robbie Katter said that although the drought was devastating towns across the Mount Isa region, state government policy decisions in previous years were crushing small councils.
“Councils are still the biggest employer in many of these towns, excluding mining, but they are struggling with ever-widening responsibilities not matched by increased funding,” he said.
“Small councils can’t cope with a declining revenue base and ever-increasing financial responsibilities.”
Meanwhile, drought-affected farmers across Queensland can now apply for aid. Federal Agriculture and Water Resources Minister Barnaby Joyce and state Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Bill Byrne said the schemes provided essential assistance and would enable a return to long-term viability. www.qraa.qld.gov.au or freecall QRAA, 1800 623 946.