Life in drought gets harder
As you may be aware there were massive floods in Northern Queensland this year which affected an area from Townsville across to Julia Creek and down to west of Winton. As I write a lot of this water has now reached Lake Eyre.
Last month, another rain depression brought good rain to West and Central West Queensland and also follow up falls to the Julia Creek area, which was rapidly drying out. Many areas had around 150mm with Blackall and Isisford getting around 300mm.
Unfortunately falls really lightened off south of Charleville to Morven, with places like Cunnamulla, St George and the south getting next to nothing.The area that we provide food hampers to around Longreach now have a green pick, but there is hardly any stock in the area. A follow up rain is badly needed for growth.
Our job has to continue and that is putting food on the table for farmers. Most people don’t realise it doesn’t rain dollars and now the press have gone quiet on drought, life gets harder.
As I said, hardly any properties are stocked so there is no income, and stock prices are so high, so which banks are going to lend? They have been warned to go easy on these farmers and not sell people up but the writing is on the wall for many.
Our last trip out west was postponed due to the state of the roads after rain and by the time you read this, we will have left on April 24 with a big load of food.
Instead of food supplies since Christmas we have sent out $12,000 in Visa cards for fuel and food. Many of our collection tins are around Tin Can Bay with two in Rainbow Beach at Ed’s Beach Bakery and the Pharmacy, and both IGAs have trolleys for donations.The Bank of Queensland in Gympie will accept donations also.
Many thanks to Ed’s Bakery, RB Pharmacy, Debbie Lang, Gold City Solar, National Seniors,
Cooloola Bowls Club, Andiride P/L(TAS), Ray Edwards, Darlingtons and Tin Can Bay Bakery. Thank you ALL.
Tony Stewart, Rainbow Beach Droughtrunners, 0408767930.
