Queensland farmers affected by the drought are expected to receive support from the authorities in the form of land rent relief and transport subsidies for fodder and water.

The government is offering more than $11 million in support to the farmers, who are facing difficult conditions due to the drought situation in the area. Premier Campbell Newman and Agriculture Minister John McVeigh visited Richmond located in the northwest of the state to declare a $11.2 million package to help farmers in 13 areas that are declared to be affected by the drought in western and northern parts of the state.

Newman criticised the federal government for not taking steps to address the live export crisis and adding to the drought problems for the farmers. He noted that one third of the geographical area of the state has been declared as drought hit area and the authorities are expected to offer more help besides the aid package.

"This situation has arisen from the failure of the wet season but also because of the Federal Government's quite cowardly actions two years ago. Ironically they have created an animal welfare crisis," he said.