BALONNE DROUGHT DECLARATION SUPPORTS OUR LOCAL ECONOMY

Published on 29 July 2026

Following prolonged periods of below-average rainfall in the region, the Queensland Government has initiated a drought declaration over Balonne Shire, as well as Goondiwindi, Southern Downs and part of Maranoa local government areas.

This drought declaration means that the Queensland Government has now reinstated the Emergency Drought Assistance Loan Scheme providing interest-free loans of up to $50,000 for eligible landholders.

The Queensland Government has also reinstated support through the Drought Carry-on Finance Loan Scheme, which will provide interest-free loans of up to $250,000 for business carry-on expenses.

These loan schemes can be accessed through QRIDA and Primary Producers will need to have a Farm Resilience Business Plan in place, which can be arranged with the support of Rural Financial Counselling Service.

Balonne Shire Mayor Samantha O’Toole said this drought declaration is a welcomed step to support our primary producers in Balonne.

“Although we had flooding pass through our area earlier this year, the flooding passed through the river systems from rain upstream and the pastures mostly missed out on much needed rainfalls,” said Mayor O’Toole.

“We have had some rainfalls during the winter months, but this was not widespread and the pasture conditions vary greatly across the Shire.

“In general, rainfall in Balonne has certainly been well below average, which is impacting the pastures that our primary producers in the region rely on for their ongoing viability.

“Agriculture is our major economic driver in Balonne and we welcome the support now available to our primary producers to support their efforts through this challenging time.

“Our primary producers also create much needed food and fibre for our State and Nation, so this support means primary producers can continue providing these vital agricultural products to the broader community.

“I urge any primary producers in the area to access this support from the Queensland Government where needed, so that they can continue their operations and the valuable flow-on impacts it creates for our local economy and community.”

For more information on drought assistance programs, visit www.business.qld.gov.au/industries/farms-fishing-forestry/agriculture/disaster/drought