More than 87 per cent of Queensland is now drought declared but one North West shire is bucking the trend.
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After several years of being affected by drought, Cloncurry Shire councillors and local producers and agents say they are happy not to be named on the drought declared list. Mayor Greg Campbell said he took the direction of the drought committee as a good guide to how graziers were coping within the shire.
“To me it is not a drought year. It hasn’t been a great season but we’ve had solid, widespread rain to allow enough feed to get through the year,” Cr Campbell said.
“If there has been the odd patch that has missed out, producers can apply for an individual drought declaration, although I have not heard of anyone applying.
“To be the only non-drought declared council in north west Queensland definitely looks strange on a map, but I think it reiterates the security and strength that our grazing operations have built up over the years.”
After discussions with local producers around the region, stock and station agent Peter Dowling said a most were pleased not to be on the drought list.
“I think a combination of last year’s feed and this year’s rain has definitely made it easier for us. The fact that we had a bit of grass on the ground and started getting storms in October really helped,” Mr Dowling said.
“Cloncurry producers are currently looking to keep their cattle and fatten them while the pasture is there. It is great to have the option to keep or sell, as in previous years they haven’t had that option.
“Instead of selling around the 300 kilogram mark, they have steers up over the 400 kilograms
“As you travel south of here people are doing a bit more tough and especially east towards Richmond and Hughenden then south to Muttaburra through to Blackall areas are very light.”