Cyclones break drought in parts of Qld

Rain dumped during tropical cyclones has helped break the drought in three northern Queensland shires.

However, almost three quarters of the state is still suffering.

The northern coastal shires of Burke, Carpentaria and Doomadgee are no longer drought declared thanks in part to heavy rainfall during cyclones Fletcher and Gillian earlier this year.

However, the parched Charters Towers region, inland from Townsville, is now included after a long dry spell.

State Agriculture Minister John McVeigh says the amendments mean the total land area drought declared is slightly under 75 per cent.

He says many farmers are still doing it tough.

"Stock water shortages are critical in some areas with limited flows in rivers and creeks," Mr McVeigh said.

"Producers are destocking with not enough pasture to carry normal livestock numbers through the dry period."

There are now 39 drought declared shires across the state - three of which are partially declared - plus 34 individual farms.

Farmers within these areas can apply for some of the $31 million allocated to the Drought Relief Assistance Scheme.