What’s Happening?
Queensland primary producers, fishing and aquaculture operators are being urged to prepare for the high-risk summer weather season.
Active El Niño conditions are increasing the risk of damaging weather across Queensland.
The Queensland Government is encouraging operators to review emergency plans, assess risks and have essential resources ready before summer.
Early preparation can also help farms and fishing businesses respond faster and recover sooner if disaster strikes.
Why It Matters
Severe weather can affect livestock, infrastructure, food supplies and day-to-day operations across Queensland’s primary industries.
Preparing before an emergency gives producers more time to protect animals, property, equipment and important business records.
Department of Primary Industries Deputy Director General Agriculture Peter Donaghy said Get Ready Week was an important reminder to prepare early.
“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.”
Local Impact
Queensland producers are being encouraged to check whether livestock can be moved quickly during an emergency.
- Animals should also have access to adequate food and water if normal operations are disrupted.
- Producers are advised to secure fodder supplies and protect critical infrastructure before severe weather develops.
- Firebreaks should be maintained, while fuel loads around properties should be reduced where possible.
- Important records, emergency contacts and photographs of business assets should also be kept current.
- Local Industry Recovery and Resilience Officers can work directly with producers on preparedness and recovery planning.
By The Numbers
- Four major hazards are included in emergency planning advice, covering bushfires, floods, cyclones and severe storms.
- Six key preparation measures cover emergency plans, livestock, fodder, infrastructure, fire risks and important business records.
- Two levels of government jointly fund Industry Recovery and Resilience Officers through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
Zoom In
Industry Recovery and Resilience Officers provide face-to-face assistance across Queensland’s primary industries.
Their support covers climate risks, business preparedness, recovery planning and measures that can reduce the impact of disasters.
Producers can also receive information about recovery grants, concessional loans and wellbeing support through the program. The officers are jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
More information about preparing for disasters is available through the Queensland Government.
Zoom Out
The preparation call applies across farming, fishing and aquaculture as Queensland heads into its summer weather season.
The focus is on reducing risks before an emergency rather than waiting until severe conditions affect businesses.
Support packages also remain available for primary producers and commercial fishers already affected by disasters. Further information about available support packages is available online.
What To Look For Next?
Producers who prepare early may be better placed to protect livestock, infrastructure and business operations during severe weather.
Industry Recovery and Resilience Officers remain available to help operators strengthen plans before conditions worsen.
Existing recovery assistance also remains available for producers and commercial fishers affected by disasters.
