Media | Local News

New drought declarations welcomed but bigger plan needed

10th December 2019

LNP Leader Deb Frecklington said with more communities being drought declared today, water security should be Queensland’s number one priority.

“Water security and drought is the single biggest issue facing Queensland,” Ms Frecklington said.

“That’s why the New Bradfield Scheme is so important, we need a plan and a vision to drought-proof our state.

“The LNP has a plan to build dams and invest in water infrastructure to deliver water security.

“As well as the New Bradfield, the LNP’s Dam plan includes Nullinga Dam near Cairns, Rookwood Weir near Rockhampton, raising the Burdekin Falls Dam wall, Emu Swamp Dam near Stanthorpe and Urannah Dam near Mackay.

“We know that water means jobs because land without water is worthless."

LNP Shadow Minister for Agriculture Tony Perrett said these declarations are long overdue, particularly for the regions like Gympie with significant agricultural industries.

"It is vitally important that those farmers now eligible take advantage of support on offer to assist them through this worsening drought,” Mr Perrett said.

"While it’s good news that the South East has finally been recognised as being in the drought we always knew it was in, save a thought for those in the other regions of the state that have had to endure years of consecutive drought.

"Now that the drought is biting the larger population centres in the South East, we need to see an improved drought support program from the Palaszczuk Labor Government.

“Labor need to reverse their drought cuts from 1 July next year.”