QUEENSLAND farmers and graziers are being urged to prepare for a potentially challenging summer weather, with active El Niño conditions increasing the likelihood of bushfires and severe storms across the state.

Department of Primary Industries deputy director general agriculture Peter Donaghy said Get Ready Week is an important reminder for producers to act before severe weather events occur.

“Summer is the season for floods, bushfires, cyclones and storms,” Mr Donaghy said.

“Taking action now, whether that’s reviewing emergency plans, securing fodder supplies, preparing livestock movement arrangements or protecting critical infrastructure, can make a significant difference when disaster strikes.

“Producers are also encouraged to contact their local Industry Recovery and Resilience Officers, who provide tailored support to help producers manage climate risks, strengthen resilience, develop recovery plans and improve business preparedness.”

Early preparation remains one of the most effective ways to reduce impacts of natural disasters on farms and fishing operations helping businesses respond quickly and recover faster when disaster strikes.

The Queensland Government has a range of resources available to help producers ‘Get Ready’ and is encouraging producers to review emergency plans, assess on-farm risks and ensure all resources are on-hand ahead of summer.

Key preparation measures include:

• Reviewing emergency plans for bushfires, floods, cyclones and severe storms.
• Ensuring livestock can be moved quickly and have access to food and water.
• Securing fodder supplies and protecting critical infrastructure.
• Maintaining firebreaks and reducing fuel loads around properties.
• Keeping important records, emergency contacts and asset photographs up to date.
• Working with local Industry Recovery and Resilience Officers to strengthen preparedness.

Industry Recovery and Resilience Officers are jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, and the program offers face-to-face assistance across primary industries and provides access to information on recovery grants, concessional loans and wellbeing support.

 

• For  information on preparing for disasters, visit the QDPI website.
• Support packages for impacted primary producers and commercial fishers remain available. Find more information here.