Are you natural disaster ready?
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.
There is an expected increased risk of fire for large areas of Queensland following last summer’s rain, great pasture growth and a drier winter.
Understanding which natural disasters or severe weather events are likely to occur in your area will help you prepare for events that are most likely to impact your business.
Northern Queensland has also experienced unseasonal rainfall leading to increased fuel loads and fire authorities have warned of increased fire danger as temperatures increase during spring.
It's important to ensure you have adequate insurance and a solid financial plan in place. That’s why the Queensland Government has information and resources available to help producers ‘get ready’.
Take photographs of your assets in their pre-disaster condition for reference. Make sure that everyone on the property is familiar with the evacuation plan in case of a flood, bushfire, or cyclone.
Additionally, ensure that livestock have access to higher ground or can be moved to safer areas 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.
To manage a disaster, remember to prevent, prepare, respond, recover and communicate.
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.
Primary producers are encouraged to ‘get ready’ for natural disaster season