Gympie region primary producers are being urged to prepare now for natural disasters to help ensure the safety of family, workers and animals.
Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Furner said Queenslanders need to be prepared heading into our bushfire, summer rainfall, and cyclone season.
While the risk of flooding is lower this year because of the official El Nino declaration, bushfire is expected to be a particular risk in Queensland following the warmer winter weather this year.
“The Bureau of Meteorology has indicated that a high fire danger is likely to impact Queensland over the coming months,” Mr Furner said.
However, flash floods and cyclone preparations should also be made, such as ensuring livestock have access to higher ground or are moved to safer ground or shelter with access to food and water ahead of an event.
“As a primary producer it’s critical you have plans to help support your business during a bushfire, as well as cyclones and floods.
“I urge pet owners not to forget about family pets in household or farm emergency plans.
“Keep emergency phone numbers handy for your local council, veterinarian, animal welfare agency and pet and advisory services and make sure your pets can be properly identified if they escape.
“If moving pets to safety, make sure you take plenty of food and clean water, bowls and toilet litter or old newspapers.
“If they are to be left at home, secure them in an appropriate confined space, preferably inside, elevated and under cover, and provide access to ample food and water.”
Other tips include photographing assets in their pre-disaster condition and ensuring everyone on the property is familiar with the evacuation plan in the event of a natural disaster.
Also, making a financial plan including having adequate insurance cover, reviewing how you will manage orders, refunds and cancellations, and keeping financial reserves and emergency cash will help during times of disaster, the minister said.
For more information on flood and cyclone preparations, such as local evacuation routes and public shelter arrangements, contact your local council.
Information on disasters for small business including primary producers is available at business.qld.gov.au/disaster-hub.
Primary producers who have been impacted by a natural disaster can report the impacts in the Queensland DAF Agriculture Disaster Impact Survey.
The survey helps DAF to contribute quickly to applications for assistance under the Commonwealth-State Disaster Assistance Arrangements.
