40,000sq km of Mareeba Shire declared in drought

COMMUNITY leaders fear for the mental health of farmers as more Far North Queensland regions are declared in drought.

Karma Waters Station, west of Mt Carbine, in still in drought after 3 years of little rain. One of the many dead cattle on the property due to lack of feed. Picture: Stewart McLean

COMMUNITY leaders hold grave fears for the mental health and wellbeing of farmers as more Far North Queensland regions are declared in drought.

About 80 per cent of Queensland now meets the criteria with the Burke, Carpentaria and Doomadgee shires added to the list of affected areas this week.

Large parts of the Atherton Tablelands council Mareeba shire — about 40,000 sq km — are also considered to be in drought for the first time in 36 years.

The recent wet season offered struggling farmers little reprieve and they face another 12-18 months without decent rain after climate scientists confirmed the tropical Pacific Ocean was in the early stages of El Niño.

Mareeba Mayor Tom Gilmore described it as a “dreadful time” for his shire.

“A drought of this dimension affects the whole community,” he said.

“But the biggest problem really is to do with the emotional and financial distress these people are going through.

“It’s very debilitating ... a lot get to the point where they can’t see a future.

“The only thing that can save them is rain.”

Painful: Karma Waters Station, west of Mt Carbine, in still in drought after three years of little rain. Alan Pedersen stands with some young wieners, who have been orphaned after their mothers were no longer able to feed them. Picture: Stewart McLean

Cr Gilmore, who will visit affected areas next week, said the declaration was an important step forward for farmers, who are now eligible for drought relief.

“I have been out there a couple of times in recent months and I expect fodder levels to be further depleted,” he said.

“I can’t remember anything like this here. Every year there’s a bit of a shortage of protein but not to the extent we’re seeing in present times.”

Mareeba Chamber of Commerce president Joe Moro said Mareeba was a hub for western parts of the shire as well as the Cape, and local businesses would also suffer as cash flow dried up.

“But I think the greatest concern will be the ongoing viability and wellbeing of those farmers out west rather than short term income effect on the town,” he said.

Mr Moro, also president of the Mareeba District Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association, called on the community to support farmers.

“Even Julatten and Mt Molloy would be feeling the dry conditions because they’re not supplemented,” he said.

“As you go towards Mt Carbine and further west, the impacts are pretty severe.”

Producers wanting to apply for State Government assistance can call 13 25 23 or click here.