Support for the Western Downs as region partially drought declared

25 September 2018

Following a decision from State Parliament last week, some parts of the Western Downs Regional Council area have been drought declared.

The partial declaration of the some of the region includes Dalby, Chinchilla, Tara and Miles, expands west to Condamine, The Gums and Moonie, north to Baking Board and borders the Toowoomba and South Burnett Regional Council areas.

The partial declaration comes after extended periods of dry weather across the Western Downs.

Western Downs Regional Council Mayor Paul McVeigh said that although this decision by the State Government is helpful, what the region really needs is widespread rain.

“Conditions are very poor in some parts of the region and despite all our prayers, the rain hasn’t come,” he said.

“This has put people under a great deal of pressure both financially and emotionally, so this will alleviate that for those in the community who are drought declared.

“For those people who are not in a drought declared area, you can still access support as individuals through an Individually Droughted Property application, and I encourage you to do so.”

With the partial declaration also comes Council’s standpipe rebate, which offers half-priced water for those in the Western Downs who are drought declared.

“We encourage all property owners and occupiers to access the support they require, and to do what you can to help yourself and your family.”

Eligibility for the 50% drought rebate:

For more information on eligibility and how to claim the drought rebate, visit www.wdrc.qld.gov.au or call 1300 COUNCIL (1300 268 624).

View the Western Downs Partial Drought Declaration map here.

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Media Contact: Madison Imhoff | Communications Officer | 0419 940 846