Australia to provide assistance to flood-plagued cattle farmers

The Australian government has joined hands with domestic stock and station agents and saleyards to provide support for cattle producers victimised by the Queensland floods.

Agents and saleyards have also agreed to waive their fees on the sale of cattle for the appeal, which will run from February 23 to 27, a move praised by the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Tony Burke.

The government will also waive levies on those transactions if the proceeds are going to the appeal.

The initiative is part of the National Livestock Action Week, with the Australian Livestock and Property Agents Association (ALPA) calling on producers to donate livestock for sale at auction.

Farmers across the nation have donated money and fodder right from the start of the floods, Burke said.