Disaster: The good, the bad and the plain unfair.

In Queensland, experiencing disasters is practically a rite of passage. As Australia's most disaster-prone state, with over 100 events since 2011 ranging from storms to fires to cyclones, we've become adept at navigating the aftermath. Yet, amidst our expertise, there's always room for improvement. 

For Queensland farmers, disaster vulnerability is a constant companion, given their livelihoods are intimately tied to the mood swings of mother nature. However, given the financial landscape of horticulture, this year, growers find themselves on edge. While grateful that recent fires, storms, and cyclones weren't as severe as they could have been, they're increasingly disturbed by the inconsistencies in government support. 

Let's be clear: growers aren't seeking handouts for handouts sake. They're proud individuals who only seek aid as a last resort, often to their own detriment. Yet, there’s a question – how resilient do resilient growers have to be? Even growers who have embraced proactive measures like the farm business resilience program, have found themselves facing repeated disasters without the opportunity of assistance. 

The disparities are glaring. While funding may cover loss of a tree if it remains unplanted, that same tree, if planted—even on the day disaster strikes—is ineligible. Livestock industries enjoy replacement grants, yet losses of trees (the provider of the crop) to floods receive no such support. The costs of agricultural chemicals and pest management, compounded by disasters, go uncompensated. Road closures inflate transportation expenses, costs which rest solely on the grower even though they have no ability to control. Meanwhile, the rigid definition of a ‘primary producer’ often excludes those forced to seek additional employment away from the farm to survive. 

These inequities, exacerbated by our sector's precarious financial state, demand attention. They underscore the urgent need for a fairer, more inclusive approach to disaster recovery support. As Queenslanders, we've weathered countless storms, both literal and figurative. It's time for our resilience to be matched by equitable assistance, ensuring no farmer is left behind. 

Let's strive for a disaster recovery framework that truly supports all growers, reflecting the spirit of resilience that defines Queensland.