Natural disaster guides to help producers get ready for the season

Now is the time for primary producers to prepare for natural disasters to help ensure the safety of family, workers and animals.

Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries Mark Furner said Queenslanders needed to be prepared for our spring and summer rainfall season.

“With a La Niña underway and likely to last through to at least the end of summer, there is an increased chance of above average rainfall across most of Queensland for both spring and summer,” Mr Furner said.

“We’ve already been hit with hail storms and heavy rainfall this spring and conditions have the potential for more tropical lows leading to the increased possibility of significant rainfall in areas of the state.

“According to the Bureau of Meteorology, there is a potential for an above-average number of tropical cyclones expected this season and typically, in La Niña years, the first cyclone occurs earlier than normal around mid-December.

“We’ve seen how catastrophic monsoonal floods across the northwest, bushfires, and severe tropical cyclones and hail storms heavily impact Queensland’s agriculture industry so I encourage all agri-businesses to get ready now.

“We have specially-tailored natural disaster guides to help producers protect their property, business, livestock and crops.

“Tips include photographing assets in their pre-disaster condition and ensuring everyone on the property are familiar with a plan to get to safety in the event of a flood and to ensure livestock have access to higher ground.”

To view the guides, visit www.business.qld.gov.au and search for ‘natural disasters’ and ‘preparing animals for natural disasters’.

Mr Furner advised pet owners not to forget about family pets in household or farm emergency plans.

“Keep emergency phone numbers handy for your local council, veterinarian, animal welfare agency and pet and advisory services and make sure your pets can be properly identified if they escape,” he said.

“If moving pets to safety, make sure you take plenty of food, bowls, a leash and toilet litter or old newspapers. If they are to be left at home, secure them in a confined space, preferably inside and under cover, and provide access to water.”

For more information on cyclone preparations, such as local evacuation routes and public shelter arrangements, phone your local council.

For more information about how to prepare your property or business, visit getready.qld.gov.au. For information on animal welfare during a disaster contact biosecurity.qld.gov.au, the RSPCA, your local council or your veterinarian.

ENDS

Media contact:            Ron Goodman            0427 781 920