- Primary producers suffer infrastructure, property damage from Cyclone Kirrily and other extreme weather events across Queensland
- Minister pledges to continue working with industry on recovery
- Long road ahead as Queensland farmers recover
The Miles Government is standing shoulder to shoulder with Queensland farmers who have suffered significant damage from winds and associated flooding from Tropical Cyclone Kirrily and severe weather in other parts of the State.
Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Furner has spoken with key industry representatives from across the State to ensure clear understanding of recovery needs for primary producers.
Some producers have suffered crop losses, while infrastructure, machinery and livestock have all been affected.
Primary producers have been urged to complete the Agriculture Disaster Impact Survey to ensure the fastest possible assessment of damage and support State Government submissions for disaster assistance.
However, Mr Furner urged producers to only assess the impacts on their properties when it was safe to do so.
Under the joint Federal-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, State Governments are responsible for assessment of disaster impacts, with submissions made to the Commonwealth Government.
Producers can apply for an Individual Disaster Stricken Property (IDSP) declaration if they have suffered significant damage and are outside declared disaster activated areas.
IDSPs can give eligible producers access to freight subsidies and loans.
Mental health support and financial counselling is also available.
Quotes attributable to the Minister:
"The impact of these weather events cannot be underestimated and I urge our farmers first and foremost to take care of their safety, avoid driving through floodwaters and keep themselves and their families safe. If it's flooded, forget it," Mr Furner said.
"Unfortunately, Queensland farmers know natural disasters all too well, but that means they also know the risks.
"Our farmers need to know we are doing everything in our power to rapidly assess the damage they have suffered so we can put the appropriate assistance in place as soon as possible.
"Filling out the Agriculture Disaster Impact Survey will help speed up the assessment process so if you can do that safely, please do."
