State drought grants for farmers require a Farm Business Resilience Plan

• Goondiwindi Regional Council encourages farmers to complete a Farm Business Resilience Plan (FBR)
• Two workshops will be held in the region to assist farmers to develop a FBR plan.
• To be eligible for the Queensland Government drought grants and loans farmers require a FBR plan.

Goondiwindi Regional Council is encouraging farmers to attend one of two free workshops at Texas and Talwood this month to support primary producers to enhance their drought-resilience and learn about the Queensland Government’s drought assistance program.

The Building Business Resilience workshops for mixed and broadacre grain producers will be held at the Talwood Community Centre on 6 September and at the Texas Sports Complex on 7 September, from 9am-2pm.

The Queensland Government’s Drought Preparedness Grants offer primary producers up to $50,000 as a co-contribution grant to assist them to undertake drought preparedness infrastructure activities on their property. This can include capital improvements such as installing new water infrastructure (bores, pipes, tanks etc) or fodder and grain storage and feeding out equipment. Low and no interest loans can also be accessed by eligible primary producers for drought preparedness, in-drought support, and recovery from drought.

To be eligible for drought assistance, farmers need a Farm Business Resilience Plan (FBR).

The FBR plan serves as a guide to identify opportunities for business improvement and the development of effective strategies to manage risks. By making informed decisions regarding business risks and their potential effects on production, sustainability, natural resources, and profitability, farmers can chart a path towards greater resilience and success.

Councillor Susie Kelly, who holds the portfolio for Rural Services and Community Facilities, said an FBR plan is a tool that assists farmers to identify and manage various business risks, particularly those posed by drought.

“This plan not only supports the productivity and profitability of farm businesses, but also helps farmers evaluate risks that impact their operations, like natural disasters and production uncertainties,” Cr Kelly said.

“By making informed decisions about business risks and their potential impacts on production, sustainability, natural resources and profitability, farmers can chart a path towards greater resilience and success.

“By participating in a Building Business Resilience workshop, farm owners can identify opportunities for training and development to strengthen their ability to cope with adversities and also come away with a draft Farm Business Resilience Plan,” Cr Kelly said.

The Building Business Resilience workshops are funded through Farm Business Resilience Program, which is jointly funded by the Australian Governments Future Drought Fund and Queensland Governments Drought and Climate Adaptation Program.

The Queensland Government’s Drought Preparedness Grants are delivered through the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority.

Further information about Queensland Drought Assistance, including grants and loans, visit https://www.daf.qld.gov.au/drought-assist

Workshop Details:

Texas Workshop:

Date: Thursday, September 7, 2023

Time: 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Location: Texas Sports Complex, Middleton St, Texas

To Register: https://www.trybooking.com/CJAPD

Talwood Workshop:

Date: Wednesday, September 6, 2023

Time: 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Location: Talwood Community Centre, 14 Main St, Talwood

To Register: https://www.trybooking.com/CJAPG

Further information on the Drought Preparedness Grants can be found via https://www.qrida.qld.gov.au/program/drought-preparedness-grants