Almost 90 percent of Queensland officially in drought

Almost 90 percent of the Queensland is now in drought, according to updated declarations released over the weekend.

Fraser Coast, North Burnett, Cherbourg, Gympie, Somerset and all of Banana were added to the list of shires in drought, leaving a 87.47 per cent of the state officially declared as drought-stricken.

AgForce general president Grant Maudsley said conditions were unlikely to improve in the near future with below average rainfall expected for March combined with hot temperatures.

For this reason, Mr Maudsley said the declarations were timely, allowing primary producers to access fodder and subsidies on a range of services.

“The prolonged and severe drought has taken an enormous financial, environmental and emotional toll on farming families right throughout Queensland," he said.

"Fourteen regions in the west and north of the state were first officially drought declared in early to mid-2013, so producers in those areas have effectively had five years with rainfall deficits.

Acting Premier Jackie Trad admitted continued dry conditions in the state had added to rural frustrations.

“We know that Queenslanders are doing it tough and the drought makes it tougher," she told reporters in Cairns.