Updated disaster preparation manual for Queensland nurseries

Developed specifically for production nurseries, the manual provides practical guidance for business owners and managers before, during and after cyclones, floods, severe storms and bushfires. It includes preparedness checklists, recovery tools, business continuity advice and industry-specific case studies.

A key focus of the update was creating a single, easy-to-access contact page that brings together emergency services, disaster recovery agencies, industry contacts and mental health support services in one location due to the increase in frequency and severity of weather events.

The manual was reprinted with funding from the Queensland Government’s Industry Recovery and Resilience Officer program, which is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

The revised edition also places a stronger emphasis on mental health and well-being, recognising the pressures natural disasters could place on business owners, workers and families, and reflects the lessons learned from recent weather events affecting production nurseries.

Acting Deputy Director-General Agriculture Peter Donaghy said the updated manual would help nurseries prepare for Queensland’s challenging weather conditions.

“This updated manual provides practical and industry-specific advice to help nursery operators prepare for disasters, protect an industry that generates more than $1 billion annually and supports more than 6,000 jobs.

“Importantly, it recognises that we should not just focus on business continuity but also on our mental health during and after a disaster.”

Greenlife Industry Queensland CEO Colin Fruk said natural disasters remained one of the biggest risks facing Queensland production nurseries, making preparation more important than ever.

"Queensland growers know first-hand how quickly severe weather can impact their businesses, staff and customers. Having a practical plan in place before disaster strikes can make a significant difference to how well a business responds and recovers.

"We're grateful for the Queensland Government's support in updating and reprinting this resource so it remains accessible and relevant for our industry. We encourage every nursery business across Queensland to download a copy and make it part of their disaster preparedness planning."

Queensland Farmers’ Federation CEO Kylie Porter said Queensland nursery growers face a high level of exposure to natural disaster events, making industry-specific resources like the updated Natural Disaster Preparation Manual critical to grower preparedness.

“With the Greenlife industry predominantly located along Queensland’s coastline, cyclones, severe storms, hail and flooding events are all potential risks to a grower’s productivity and profitability. Past cyclone events have shown an average nursery income loss of more than $350,000 with full recovery taking up to three years.

“Building long-term preparedness and risk management within industry is a core priority for QFF and our members. Congratulations to Greenlife Industry Queensland on providing their growers with this easy-to-use manual that streamlines natural disaster risk management and response.”

More information

• Read the Natural Disaster Preparation Manual (PDF, 4.4 MB).
• The Industry Recovery and Resilience Officer program provides specialised medium-term and long-term recovery support to primary producers. Find your local officer.

Contact

Email media@dpi.qld.gov.au.