New website helps farmers to navigate disaster support

Farmers will now have access to more simplified information about localised support during natural disasters and drought, thanks to a new website developed by the Queensland Farmers' Federation (QFF) and funded by the Queensland Government.

The farmerdisastersupport.org.au website presents the full cross-section of postcode specific financial and social wellbeing support available to farmers and primary producers, which will benefit the entire Queensland agriculture sector.

Agriculture Minister Leanne Donaldson commended QFF for developing this fantastic resource.

"During this record drought we have expanded financial and other assistance beyond farm business support to help farming families and farm communities,” Ms Donaldson said.

"This project has been funded from the Queensland Government's Communities Assistance package and provides a handy central source to access the range of organisations providing assistance.”

Farmerdisastersupport.org.au was constructed through funding from the Department of Communities Child Safety and Disability Services.

Communities Minister Shannon Fentiman said the useful new resource would help farmers access information more easily following a disaster.

"Queensland farmers are the cornerstone of our state which is why it is particularly important that we support them in crisis situations to make sure they can get back on their feet," Ms Fentiman said. 

QFF CEO Ruth Wade said the website allowed farmers and primary producers to input their postcode, select their industry and then see results and services specific to their local area which prioritises on-farm and industry specific advice and support.

"It can often be confusing and overwhelming when trying to access assistance during drought and natural disasters. Much of the assistance on offer comes from a variety of organisations and different levels of government and these can often be difficult to navigate," Ms Wade said.

"What this website is designed to do is collate all these services and support networks into an easily negotiable, up to data set of localised results.

"QFF has worked closely with the Queensland Government and its industry member organisations to ensure we have delivered a service that will help everyday farmers access the support that is available to them.

"In Queensland we have had a long association with cyclones, floods and of course drought, with many farmers having to endure one event after another."

Visit the website now: www.farmerdisastersupport.org.au

Media contact:

Minister Donaldson - 0448 994 172

Minister Fentiman - 0437 336 232