That is the sentiment from State Member for Mount Isa Robbie Katter, who has welcomed the $1,250 increase to the Living Away From Home Allowance Scheme (LAFHAS).

“Despite some very welcome recent rain in some parts of rural Queensland which needed it desperately, there is still a few very lean years on the horizon for most people in drought-affected areas, including those families in the towns,” he said.

“Most shires remain in drought, and others are recovering from three to four years of hardship from a lack of rain and income.

“It’s heartening to see government respond to our calls of the need to provide extra funds to ensure children can access education, and families can remain in the bush.”

The increase results from one of many recommendations made the Rural Debt and Drought Taskforce, chaired by Mr Katter.

The $3.7 million allocation in the 2016-17 state budget is in response to a recommendation made by the Taskforce, to assist student boarding fee costs from drought-affected areas.

“It was in as a recommendation after very strong lobbying from Kim Hughes in Richmond, who is the Queensland president of the Isolated Children's Parent's Association.

“The $3.7 million for education assistance in drought-affected areas is part of the very welcome $77.9 million Rural Assistance Package in the State Budget and will take significant pressure off families who have been doing it tough,” he said.

“We hope to bridge the divide between city folk and those in rural Australia when it comes to a quality, accessible education.

“For drought-stricken families, especially those in towns where there is no high school, an extra $1,250 per student per annum for the next three years is a welcome relief.

“The extra support for these families during the unprecedented drought could be the difference between them staying or leaving their small communities.”

Mr Katter thanked the Palaszczuk Government for listening to the concerns of rural education experts such as the ICPA.

“We could always do a fair bit more to make a real difference but this should have a positive impact,” he said.

“It was particularly pleasing to see a Government response which spanned across multiple departments with the Rural Assistance Package.

“The responsibility of education requires a cohesive approach with many departments working together.”