About 57 per cent of Queensland – including vast swathes of properties west of Toowoomba – is now in drought.

In March 2017, Cylcone Debbie dropped enough rain to reverse the position in February 2017 when 88 per cent of Queensland was in drought.

Queensland authorities are nervously watching New South Wales where 100 per cent of the state was “drought-declared” last week.

On Monday, state Agriculture Minister Mark Furner will take a package of extra drought assistance for Queensland’s farm families to cabinet for approval.

The Queensland government brought forward road projects in regional Queensland in 2017 – and similar smaller capital works programs – as a Cyclone Debbie recovery strategy.

On Friday, AgForce chief executive officer Michael Guerin said the peak agricultural body hoped capital works funding could be found for outback towns.

“AgForce has been calling for immediate support of those who have gone without an income, in some instances for up to six years, to help reduce their financial pressures,” Mr Guerin said.

“Capital works projects to encourage regional job growth and economic spending and increased education support keeps kids in school."

Mr Guerin also called on the state government to provide rent relief for farmers who lease their properties from the Queensland government and for increased mental health services in regional Queensland.

“All of these measures are things that government can do immediately to reduce the financial pressures on farming families in drought,” he said.

Some Queensland farmers have been in drought for more than six years.

A government spokesperson said the government’s Drought Assistance package already provided $162 million in freight subsidy and emergency water infrastructure rebates during the drought.

“In addition to the Queensland Drought Assistance Package, further assistance is provided to support primary producers such as the Primary Industries Productivity Enhancement Scheme (PIPES) from the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority and a number of drought-related programs,” he said.

“The current PIPES portfolio is $470 million, and the provision for 2018-19 is $100 million. These PIPES loans can help with preparing for and managing drought.”

The government has provided money for extra mental health assistance through an integrated care package, he said.

“This has appointed nine mental health support workers and grants to local community groups to address mental health in communities impacted by drought and natural disaster."

Queensland Health has $3.5 million allocated to the program in 2018-19.

Mr Furner would not comment on what additional measures he plans to take to cabinet on Monday.

“The Palaszczuk government understands that those farmers affected by the drought are still doing it tough,” Mr Furner said.

“In the past five years, more than $670 million has been allocated through grants, concessional loans, emergency water infrastructure and drought climate adaptation programs to help Queensland farmers not only deal with drought conditions now, but also plan for future dry periods.”

What help is being provided in the 2018-19 state budget?

Queensland’s opposition leader Deb Frecklington could not be immediately contacted for comment on the state government’s drought package.

Earlier this week she criticised Queensland’s recently reintroduced land-clearing legislation while welcoming Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull’s announcement of $12,000 cash grants to farming families.

"Labor’s new restrictions on using mulga trees to feed livestock have added extra red tape and untold stress to farmers struggling to keep what’s left of their sheep and cattle alive."

Opposition Leader Bill Shorten was in Queensland this week, where he promised a $20 million package targeting regional councils if Labor was elected.

There are several drought appeals linked to major media organisations now running.

The Red Cross Drought Appeal is tax deductible and 100 per cent of money is promised to go to farmers and their families.

The Buy a Bale Appeal allows people to donate to buy a bale of hay for animals on farms. It is supported by Fairfax Media.