Ken O'Dowd (Flynn, National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I wish to speak today about the most widespread drought in Queensland's history. Despite fantastic winter rains across most of Queensland and record high prices for beef cattle, many producers are still doing it tough and know the drought is not over yet. Rainfall over the last two months is down by 80 per cent on average. More than 80 per cent of Queensland is still drought-declared, including almost the entire electorate of Flynn. North Burnett, South Burnett, Banana Shire, the Gladstone region and the Bundaberg region are completely declared. Only the Rockhampton area and the northern reaches of the Central Highlands are no longer declared.

June and July, which are normally very dry months, provided welcome relief for many landholders across the state, with record rainfall in these parts—but, unfortunately, it does not rain money. While the dust was settled and grass grew, livestock prices remained incredibly high, making restocking a high-risk venture, especially when there is no guarantee of much-needed follow-up rain. As we wind up for the year, I hope that those in this place will spare a thought and a prayer for our farmers, as they need the rain to provide you with Christmas dinner.