- Crisafulli Government is building drought resilience before the next dry spell.
- $20 million over four years for Drought Preparedness Grants to assist producers prepare for the next drought.
- For the first time in 12 years, Queensland has no drought declarations.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering for the State's primary producers with additional funding to help build resilience through Drought Preparedness Grants.
This year's Drought Preparedness Grants round will open soon, delivering primary producers with a grant to cover 25 per cent of the cost of purchasing new permanent capital infrastructure, up to a total of $50,000 for drought-resilience measures.
Primary producers are encouraged to work on their drought preparedness before the next drought hits by accessing loans under Primary Industries Productivity Enhancement Scheme (PIPES).
The scheme offers loan periods up to 20 years, a maximum loan amount of $1.3 million, and provides flexible variable or fixed interest rate options at concessional rates.
These terms have been designed to keep pace with industry needs and replace the Drought Ready and Recovery loan.
Two loans to help producers significantly affected by drought, the Drought Carry-On Finance Loan and the Emergency Drought Assistance Loan have been closed noting no part of Queensland is drought declared.
Additionally, aspiring producers can access the First Start Loan through PIPES, which offers up to $2 million to help new entrants expand livestock operations, purchase their first agricultural property, implement family succession plans, or achieve standalone viability.
Minister for Primary Industries Tony Perrett said the Crisafulli Government supports primary producers in the bad times and backs them to grow their resilience in good times.
"Queensland's primary producers shouldn't have to wait for drought conditions to access support," Minister Perrett said.
"Queensland has made a fundamental shift to proactive drought preparedness because we know that preparation is far more effective than reaction.
"Whether it's installing more efficient irrigation systems, improving water storage capacity or adapting production systems to be more resilient, these grants and loans give producers the financial backing they need to future-proof their operations."
"Under Labor, when drought-stricken graziers needed help, they got more red tape, more paperwork, more time inside on the computer instead of feeding hungry stock."
"Should Queensland face drought conditions again, the Crisafulli Government stands ready to consider emergency and drought carry-on loan facilities as required,"
"We will always have the backs of rural and regional Queenslanders, in good times and in tougher times too."
