Rain may break southwest drought: MP

Flooding in Charleville.

Kieran Knox Western Times Charleville

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Coast flooding March 2010

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RECORD-BREAKING rain falling in Queensland's southwest could break the drought that has affected some communities for almost a decade.

A monsoonal low has dumped up to 230mm over three days in the state's southwest.

Mayors, station managers and federal MPs believe the heavy rain could be enough to end nearly a decade of drought in parts of the region.

Birdsville, Bedourie and Quilpie have been drought-declared for eight years, Charleville for seven and Roma for five.

Related: Hundreds flee Qld floodwaters

Federal MP for Maranoa Bruce Scott, whose electorate takes in a huge chunk of southwest Queensland, says it's very likely the rain will be enough to lift the drought declarations.

"I think it will, but right now our real concern is about human lives, property and livestock that are potentially stranded in parts of the flood zones," Mr Scott said.

Quilpie Shire mayor David Edwards says the town has almost had its average yearly rainfall of 300mm in three days.

He says they have had the best summer rain in more than 40 years and he expects many parts of his shire will no longer be drought-declared later this year.

A Bedourie station manager Garth Tully says dams and water tanks are overflowing.

"It has come at the right time as we approach winter and (water supplies) should last throughout the year," Mr Tully said.

"This has put a lot of smiles on the faces of many (sheep and cattle farmers)."

Birdsville identity David Brook, whose mother's family ran the famous Birdsville Hotel in the 1920s and 1930s, says he's certain the drought has been broken.

"If 225mm don't break the drought then we have no hope have we," he said.

A spokesman for Primary Industries Minister Tim Mulherin says removing the drought status of an area was not made immediately after good rainfall because the effects may not be long lasting.

He says a decision most likely won't be known until the end of April.

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