It is hardly surprising given the significant and ongoing wet season, but it is now official — less than half of Queensland remains in drought.
State Agriculture Minister Mark Furner told parliament today Local Drought Committees had recommended the drought revocation of another six shires and one part-shire after a good wet season in some areas.
The Balonne, Murweh, Western Downs, Maranoa, and Quilpie shires in south-west Queensland have had their drought status revoked, along with the North Burnett and part of the Flinders shire.
That brings the total area of Queensland that is drought declared from 61.1 per cent to 44.9 per cent.
It follows almost a decade of sustained drought which affected more than half of the state's landmass.
The north-west Flinders Shire had been facing another failed wet season until recent falls brought relief to anxious landholders, including Hughenden grazier Brendan McNamara.
Mr McNamara said his shire would still need follow-up rain to ensure it remained productive.
"I guess it'll depend on what happens in November and March next year," he said.
"If we don't have a decent season next year the drought will be back again, worrying people. That's for sure."
Several shires have remained fully drought declared since 2013 including the Barcoo, Blackall-Tambo, Boulia, Winton, Richmond, and Diamantina shires.
Mr Furner said the state government's drought support reforms meant primary producers no longer needed to wait for drought declarations before accessing support.
