Social, economic and environmental recovery after the south west Queensland floods is hinged on assisting businesses on-farm and in town to get back on their feet, says AgForce president John Cotter.
Mr Cotter joined Minister for Primary Industries, Fisheries and Rural and Regional Queensland Tim Mulherin, senior government officers and Queensland Farmers’ Federation president Gary Sansom in a two-day tour of Quilpie, Thargomindah, Charleville, Windorah, Cunnamulla, St George and Roma.
“The trip was an opportunity to speak face-to-face with primary producers, regional mayors and business owners to get a first-hand assessment of the effectiveness of flood assistance, which they report has been appropriate and prompt,” Mr Cotter said.
“As flood waters continue to recede and people have a chance to step back from the initial flood response phase it is critical the infrastructure is in place to ensure the recovery process is efficient and effective.”
Mr Cotter said although the floods will ultimately bring long-term productivity benefits for producers – and in turn translate into an economic boost to rural communities – many agricultural enterprises are suffering extensive infrastructure damage and some stock losses.
“The State Government is delivering special assistance grants, concessional loans and freight subsidies which will be integral to on-property recovery as producers start the process of fixing fences, rebuilding roads, repairing dam walls, transporting fodder and assessing stock losses.
“As well as the farm infrastructure damage, many homesteads were inundated with flood waters and the personal angst cannot be ignored as families clean up from an event like they have never seen before.”
Mr Cotter said the impact to regional businesses must also not be underestimated – such as the situation facing the small town of Thargomindah which has only been accessible by road for two weeks since Christmas.
“The quickest way to get people back on their feet is to get their business back up and running and it is essential that local and state governments repair road and rail infrastructure so transport services can resume bringing products into and out of the flood affected regions.
“Businesses cannot take advantage of the expected boost to productivity from the rain unless fencing materials, fodder and replacement livestock can be moved onto properties to continue the rebuilding process.
“We also expect people to source products and services locally to ensure their community recovers.”
Mr Cotter said regional towns should also capitalise on the tourism potential of the season and encourage the wider community to take the opportunity to see the south west revitalised after this once-in-a-lifetime flood.
AgForce will continue to address producers’ needs as the recovery moves forward to ensure the support they receive is effective and efficient, and will closely monitor the progress of rebuilding infrastructure.
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