The Shadow Minister for Agriculture has used a visit to Cloncurry to call for more action from the government around the details of its $2b North West Queensland flood recovery package.
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Joel Fitzgibbon was in town to meet with North West Queensland mayors, councillors and and also took an aerial tour to meet producers affected by the recent devastating floods.
Speaking just two months out from a likely election date, Mr Fitzgibbon said Labor wanted a bipartisan approach to the problem.
"We again expressed a determination to work with the Morrison Government in the hope of delivering effective recovery assistance in a timely manner," Mr Fitzgibbon said.
"Producers expressed frustration that five weeks after the disastrous flood event, meaningful Federal Government support has not been forthcoming."
Mr Fitzgibbon said that councils and producers he spoke to were appreciative of the measures that have already been taken, but the councils needed more help and producers needed support to re-stock.
"Producers told us the best thing a government can do is to help them re-build their herds," he said.
"It’s been two weeks since the Prime Minister announced that a $2 billion package was on its way but producers have been given no detail and they are still waiting."
Mr Fiizgibbon said the producers told him the uncertainty was demoralising.
"The clock is ticking, re-stocking assistance is needed and it’s needed now," he said.
"Cattle producers affected by flood are still in drought, it’s a cruel irony. Talk must turn to action."
Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced the $2b package on March 1 establishing the North Queensland Livestock Industry Recovery Agency to develop a long term plan to help rebuild the industry, including new programs that will provide access to seed funding to rebuild on-farm infrastructure and restock herds.
"The Agency will design, coordinate and deliver the long term plan for reconstructing the industry," Mr Morrison said. "It will assist in the design of programs to help with seed funding for fixing on-farm infrastructure like fences and water infrastructure and for restocking."
But Mr Fitzgibbon said the government knew what needed to be done now.
"I don't know why they don't just get on with it," he said.
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