Recent flooding across the Burnett Mary region has caused significant impacts to farms, infrastructure, waterways and rural communities. As clean-up begins, landholders and agribusiness operators are encouraged to assess damage early, document impacts, and access available support to help guide recovery and rebuilding.
The Queensland Department of Primary Industries (DPI) has released updated recovery guidance to help producers manage the immediate aftermath of flooding and plan for the months ahead.
Start with a clear recovery plan
After a natural disaster, taking time to assess the physical, financial and operational impacts on your business is an important first step. A recovery plan can help prioritise repairs, reduce further losses, and support a safe return to normal operations.
Landholders are encouraged to:
- Inspect crops, pasture, fencing, machinery and water infrastructure
- Monitor livestock health and manage disease risks
- Safely dispose of animal carcasses where required
- Check for erosion, debris and damage to waterways
- Record losses and take photos where safe to do so
Accurate reporting helps government and industry understand the scale of impacts and determine what recovery assistance may be activated.
Complete the disaster impact survey
Primary producers are encouraged to complete the Disaster Impact Survey, which helps inform recovery support and funding decisions.
The survey is voluntary and is not an application for assistance, but the information provided can help activate disaster recovery measures and may support future applications if funding becomes available.
If multiple properties are affected, a separate survey should be completed for each one.
Support for business, wellbeing and recovery
Flood recovery can place pressure not only on properties, but on people. A range of services are available to support producers through financial, operational and personal challenges.
Available support includes:
- Rural Financial Counselling Service – free, confidential financial advice
- Industry Recovery and Resilience Officers (IRROs) for medium- and long-term recovery support
- Guidance on pasture, crop and infrastructure recovery
- Advice on managing invasive plants and animals after flood events
- Mental health and community wellbeing support services
These programs are delivered through coordinated partnerships between state and Australian governments, industry organisations and regional recovery teams.
Working together for regional recovery
Flood events highlight the importance of strong regional networks. Recovery is most effective when landholders, community, Traditional Owners, industry and government work together to share information, coordinate action and support one another.
BMRG encourages all landholders affected by recent flooding to complete the survey here.