13 December 2010
DAFF10/070L
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Joe Ludwig, today inspected flood affected areas in Mackay.
The Minister visited the areas with representatives of Canegrowers Mackay.
"The opportunity to see firsthand the impact that the flooding has had in regional communities was a reminder of the tough conditions faced by many primary producers," Minister Ludwig said.
"Recent high rain fall has replenished soil moisture profiles, filled dams and on farm storages but has negatively affected crops and other production in a number of places.
"Today I visited sugarcane growers in Mackay and I was able to speak to local farmers and producers about the challenges that recent rainfall has caused.
"The Government has been quick to roll out the National Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements to the areas hardest hit by flooding. This is the primary means for Government to respond, with the States, to natural disasters like the floods we have seen throughout eastern Australia.
"The Gillard Government will continue to closely monitor the situation and work with States to provide assistance to communities affected by the recent heavy rains."
The Minister will be visiting other flood affected areas this week to inspect damage caused by flooding to the agricultural sector.
