Disaster relief a good start but recovery is more than cleanup

CANEGROWERS CEO Dan Galligan called the $25,000 disaster assistance grants "a good start", saying they would provide critical support to growers as they begin to assess the costs of cleaning up and repairing their properties.

But as farming communities move forward with recovery efforts, the State Government must also look at ways to assist primary producers who have lost their crops, Mr Galligan said.

“Sugarcane is tough, but it’s not indestructible. If young plants spend too long underwater, they simply won’t survive,” Mr Galligan said.

“Other states recognise that getting crops back in the ground is just as important as repairing infrastructure. Queensland needs to follow their lead. Recovery must mean more than just cleaning up.”

With floodwaters leaving behind widespread damage, the peak industry body is urging the State Government to modify grant rules, enabling growers to use disaster recovery funding to help re-establish lost crops.

“For many growers the damage is extensive, and it is likely these grants will not even scratch the surface. Many will need further support through additional assistance measures and an increase to the funding threshold, as seen last year in response to Cyclone Jasper,” Mr Galligan said.

“These grants are a crucial first step, but if we want to help primary producers get back on their feet it must go further. Getting crops back in the ground is the critical element of recovery.

"Without replacing lost crop this disaster will impact production next year and the year after that, affecting mill supply with flow-on impacts to employment and throughput across the sector.”

Mr Galligan also welcomed the appointment of Mr Andrew Cripps as the State Recovery Coordinator to lead flood recovery efforts in the north.

“Mr Cripps is supremely qualified for the role, he understands regional Queensland and the challenges our farmers are facing,” Mr Galligan said.

“We have worked closely with him in the past and we look forward to working with him to ensure cane growers get the assistance they need to rebuild and recover.”

CANEGROWERS will continue working closely with the State and Federal Governments to push for practical, effective disaster relief measures that give Queensland’s cane growers the best chance to recover and rebuild.