RESILIENT BUSINESSES NATIONAL BUSINESS MANAGEMENT Building resilient businesses Late January marks one year resilient in the face of any extreme is a This feature brings together some of the since the start of a 12‑day priority for MLA. practical tools, strategies and resources tropical monsoon which “We’re assessing how best to help with available for producers, whether they’re caused major flooding across rebuilding the north Queensland beef taking stock after a natural disaster or northern Queensland and industry and identify opportunities to preparing their business for a major, reduce future losses,” Nigel said. unexpected event. devastated hundreds of rural communities and businesses. “This includes providing producers with It reflects MLA’s continuing investment tools to understand their options and to help producers: As recovery continues, the red meat • confidently rebuild and restock after and livestock industry is committed support decision making for rebuilding to rebuilding resilient businesses or redirecting their business.” environmental extremes which can withstand future extreme Former CSIRO Chief Research • manage pasture recovery for a circumstances, whether flood, fire, Scientist, Andrew Ash, has been sustainable feedbase drought or market failure. appointed to coordinate MLA’s • access improved predictive tools to contribution to state and federal guide management decisions before, MLA continues to work with during and after an event government and industry, including northern recovery activities. the North Queensland Livestock “Identifying existing and potential • reduce cost of recovery through Industry Recovery Agency (established MLA initiatives to complement proactive management and by the Australian Government recovery activities and contribute to investment after the floods), to identify how redeveloping and growing industry’s • access education and training best to grow and support resilient resilience is critical,” Andrew said. opportunities to establish resilient beef businesses. grazing businesses. ■ “Extreme events and climate variability MLA’s Program Manager – Grassfed will pose an ongoing challenge for Nigel Tomkins Beef Productivity, Nigel Tomkins, said producers, so our focus is on medium to E: ntomkins@mla.com.au ensuring a strong industry which is longer‑term industry sustainability.” Recovery resources Flood Information on these grants and Need someone to talk to? Producers who were affected by the other assistance is available at NQ Connect is a 24/7 free phone 2019 north Queensland floods can still droughtandflood.gov.au. and online counselling service apply for assistance for recovery and Financial considerations available to anyone in flood‑affected rebuilding activities. The free Rural Financial Counselling areas. Call 1300 059 625 or Service (RFCS) provides individual visit nqconnect.com.au. Rebuilding herds The $400,000 dollar‑for‑dollar support to deal with financial hardship. Information on other services is Restocking, Replanting and On‑farm RFCS North Queensland has specific available at droughtandflood.gov.au Infrastructure grants are still available. information for flood‑affected Drought Producers can access the funds when producers: rfcsnq.com.au/north-qld- FarmHub is a website developed by they’re ready to use them. flood-support. the National Farmers’ Federation with Flood‑affected producers who are Flood recovery officers support from the Australian Government restocking can also receive 50% The Queensland Department of to provide a central point for drought freight subsidies of up to $50,000 Agriculture and Fisheries appointed support resources: farmhub.org.au. a year for two years. five industry recovery officers to work with producers and communities after Fire Low‑interest loan products are also the flood. Contact the Queensland For information on Australian available to assist with the costs of Rural and Industry Development Government disaster assistance for restocking, rebuilding infrastructure Authority on 1800 623 946 or contact bushfires and other extreme events, and meeting carry‑on requirements. us@qrida.qld.gov.au for details. visit disasterassist.gov.au. ■ 16