The bill brought by KAP will reduce annual licence fees for “very remote” pubs so they are no longer paying the same as inner-city counterparts – bringing the yearly fee of $3757 down to $376.

State leader Robbie Katter said he was was pleased the state government supported the bill and extended the legislation to clubs with 112 pubs and 42 clubs set to benefit from the change under Labor’s amendments.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said as well as pubs, these small, vital community clubs in remote bush communities also deserve a fairer go with some licence fee relief, too.

“It’s especially important in this Year of Outback Tourism that we support the viability of these hotels and clubs, as they are a critical part of the social fabric in our remote towns,” the Premier said.

Mr Katter said that was some welcome news while producers in the North West are predicting stock losses of up to half a million in the floods, with around $500 million in lost income and costs incurred overall.

“The passing of this legislation is, in the scheme of things, a minute policy change for the State Government,” he said.

“But the actual effect it will have on the ground in my electorate and all remote electorates across Queensland is significant.

“In the bush, the pub is not just a business – it’s a community meeting place and a central point of contact for those who face isolation on a day to day basis.

Mr Katter said he saw this in Julia Creek last week.

"Many of those producers shattered by what’s gone on during the past week met at the Gannon’s Hotel to sit together, unload their thoughts and just offer some support to one another," he said.

“Many people talk about the importance of looking after mental health in the bush – one of the simplest ways to do this is to make sure people can come together a have a drink or a talk at their local.

“This can’t happen if pubs can’t afford to stay open.”

Mr Katter said rising operating costs in the face of unavoidably low patronage due to the isolation faced in remote areas had threatened the viability of bush pubs in recent years, with many already forced to close their doors.

“Time and time again I have been told the annual licencing fee was one of many overheads that publicans just found impossible to pay,” he said.

“For many, these changes will come too late but for those pubs we still have I trust this will be very welcome.”

However the LNP are unhappy the government blocked their amendments that would have ensured community clubs and pubs in remote or drought-stricken areas doing it tough would receive licence fee relief.

“Community clubs and pubs in remote towns are often the heart and soul of the community,” Opposition leader Deb Frecklington said.

“Reducing fees would go a long way to ensuring clubs and pubs can endure and continue to support the community.

“The LNP fought to ensure the laws would cover venues in drought-declared communities, not just very remote parts of the state.

“We also want to remove Labor’s cap on the size of the club to be eligible for fee relief."

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