DPI&F LEARNS VALUABLE LESSONS FROM CYCLONE LARRY
Published Tuesday, 05 December, 2006 at 03:00 PM
Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries
The Honourable Tim Mulherin
The impact of cyclones on Queensland’s primary industries could be minimised with the development of a comprehensive plan from the State Government, Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries Tim Mulherin said today.
Mr Mulherin said the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries and other Queensland government departments had been working closely with local and federal authorities to help communities affected by Cyclone Larry.
“The recovery from Cyclone Larry has been a genuine partnership between all levels of government, industry, local communities, aid organisations, the media and the general public,” Mr Mulherin said.
“As a result, the Department and primary producers in north Queensland have an opportunity to identify and put into practice new initiatives in case we were to experience anything like Larry again.
“This work will become a blueprint for future responses.
“To reduce the impact of future cyclone events, we will work with producers to incorporate ‘cyclone risks’ into farm design and crop planting, including windbreak modelling.
“I am determined to utilise Larry as a lesson that will enable us to improve our practices.”
The announcement of the joint plan comes in the lead up to the 2006 Cyclone Summit Living with cyclones – Queensland prepared to be hosted by Premier Peter Beattie at James Cook University in Cairns this Thursday and Friday.
Other DPI&F initiatives include:
• Providing dedicated resources including four industry development officers to assist primary producers in the ongoing recovery and to further develop local industries. Three dedicated farm financial counsellors to be allocated to provide specialist support.
• Implementing the Department’s TC Larry Action Plan to focus on building capacity across primary industries and the Department to better respond to future cyclone events.
• Supporting local industries in developing industry response plans.
Mr Mulherin said the Department will continue to play a critical role in the Cyclone Larry recovery effort.
DPI&F also established Operation Farm Clear to assist farmers to clear debris on their properties and return to former operating capacity as quickly as possible.
More than 900 jobs have been logged and so far about 350 completed across all primary industries, including sugar cane, horticulture, beef and dairy.
Media: 323 96530
Mr Mulherin said the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries and other Queensland government departments had been working closely with local and federal authorities to help communities affected by Cyclone Larry.
“The recovery from Cyclone Larry has been a genuine partnership between all levels of government, industry, local communities, aid organisations, the media and the general public,” Mr Mulherin said.
“As a result, the Department and primary producers in north Queensland have an opportunity to identify and put into practice new initiatives in case we were to experience anything like Larry again.
“This work will become a blueprint for future responses.
“To reduce the impact of future cyclone events, we will work with producers to incorporate ‘cyclone risks’ into farm design and crop planting, including windbreak modelling.
“I am determined to utilise Larry as a lesson that will enable us to improve our practices.”
The announcement of the joint plan comes in the lead up to the 2006 Cyclone Summit Living with cyclones – Queensland prepared to be hosted by Premier Peter Beattie at James Cook University in Cairns this Thursday and Friday.
Other DPI&F initiatives include:
• Providing dedicated resources including four industry development officers to assist primary producers in the ongoing recovery and to further develop local industries. Three dedicated farm financial counsellors to be allocated to provide specialist support.
• Implementing the Department’s TC Larry Action Plan to focus on building capacity across primary industries and the Department to better respond to future cyclone events.
• Supporting local industries in developing industry response plans.
Mr Mulherin said the Department will continue to play a critical role in the Cyclone Larry recovery effort.
DPI&F also established Operation Farm Clear to assist farmers to clear debris on their properties and return to former operating capacity as quickly as possible.
More than 900 jobs have been logged and so far about 350 completed across all primary industries, including sugar cane, horticulture, beef and dairy.
Media: 323 96530