Primary producers encouraged to ‘get ready’ for natural disaster season

News release | 19-Sep-2024

Queensland primary producers are being urged to prepare now ahead of the natural disaster season to help ensure the safety of their farms and reduce damage to crops and livestock.

• Queensland primary producers are being urged to prepare now ahead of the natural disaster season
• Increased risk of above average rain, floods and tropical cyclones forecast
• Department has resources to help producers 'get ready'

Queenslanders need to be prepared heading into summer rainfall, bushfire and cyclone season.

There is an expected increased risk of fire for large areas of Queensland, including southern and central Queensland, following last summer's rain, great pasture growth and a drier winter.

Northern Queensland has also experienced unseasonal rainfall leading to increased fuel loads.

Fire authorities have warned of increased fire danger as temperatures increase during spring.

The Queensland Government has information and resources available to help producers 'get ready'.

Some tips include:

• Ensure you have adequate insurance and a financial plan
• Photographing assets in their pre-disaster condition
• Ensure everyone on the property is familiar with an evacuation plan in the event of a flood, bushfire or cyclone
• Ensure livestock have access to higher ground or can move to safer ground or shelter with access to food and water
• Keep emergency phone numbers handy for your local council, veterinarian and animal welfare agency and make sure your livestock can be properly identified in the event of a natural disaster

For more information on flood and cyclone preparations, such as local evacuation routes and public shelter arrangements, please phone your local council.

Information on disasters for small business, including primary producers, is available at business.qld.gov.au/disaster-hub

For more information on bushfire risk, refer to the National Council for Fire and Emergency Services: https://www.afac.com.au/auxiliary/publications/seasonal-outlook-article/seasonal-bushfire-outlook-spring-2024

Media contact: DAF Media, [email protected]