Queensland grit shines on
As Australia’s most disaster-prone state, Queenslanders certainly bring the grit when it comes to navigating everything mother nature throws at us. Yet, despite this lived experience, there have been critical issues in disaster recovery that continue to impact the viability of the horticulture sector during recovery.
For many in our industry, it’s not uncommon to have alternative off-farm employment helping to supplement their primary production business. In a world where the cost of living (and doing business) is so high, this is just a fact of modern farming. Where this does pose an issue is in times of natural disaster with many in this predicament excluded from disaster recovery support simply because of the outdated definition of a ‘primary producer’.
That was until last week. In a win for all agricultural industries the Queensland Government announced at the FNQ Rotary Field Days, that it would be making changes to the rules around off-farm income and the definition of a primary producer. It’s a change that needed to happen and effectively means disaster-affected growers who may have been previously ineligible for assistance can now apply for support measures like disaster recovery grants, loans, and freight subsidies.
This was something QFVG had identified as a roadblock which was not allowing support to go to those who genuinely need it and we’d like to thank the Queensland Government for listening and then their hard work behind the scenes to make this happen and the Federal Government for understanding the realities of farming which isn’t a straightforward industry in its operations.
This is the second important amendment to disaster recovery arrangements this year and followed the changes around replanting support – addressing inconsistencies between agricultural sectors.
Queensland has always led the way in advocating for fit for purpose disaster support and QFVG will continue to work with all levels of government to ensure our growers have access to a disaster recovery framework that truly supports them.
It was truly fitting that the announcement was made in Mareeba, the heart of Far North Queensland with all the spirit of Queensland grit on show. This community has seen its fair share of challenges yet worked together to put on an amazing event.
Amongst the shiny tractors, big hats, and dusty demos there were deals done and connections made. A shared breakfast hosted by the Queensland Farmers’ Federation shone a light on the comradery among and proven worth of our strategic partnerships that are in place with our regional grower groups, Canegrowers, and Cotton friends.
We are now working on our next challenge together – water!
