Queensland production nurseries now have access to an updated Natural Disaster Preparation Manual, providing practical, industry-specific guidance to help businesses prepare for, respond to and recover from severe weather events.<\/p>\n
Developed by Greenlife Industry Queensland (GIQ) and the Queensland Farmers\u2019 Federation (QFF), the revised manual reflects lessons learned from recent natural disasters affecting production nurseries and responds to the increasing frequency and severity of weather events across Queensland.<\/p>\n
For an industry heavily concentrated along Queensland\u2019s coastline, cyclones, floods, severe storms, hail and bushfires can have significant and long-lasting impacts on businesses, infrastructure, crops and staff.<\/p>\n
Past cyclone events have resulted in an average nursery income loss of more than $350,000, with full recovery taking up to three years. With these risks in mind, having practical plans and systems in place before an event occurs can make a significant difference to a nursery\u2019s ability to respond and recover. <\/p>\n
The updated manual has been designed specifically for production nursery owners and managers and provides practical information covering what to do before, during and after a natural disaster.<\/p>\n
Resources include preparedness checklists, business continuity advice, recovery tools and industry-specific case studies.<\/p>\n
One of the key improvements is a new, easy-to-access contact page bringing together important emergency services, disaster recovery agencies, industry contacts and mental health support services in one place.<\/p>\n
The revised edition also places greater emphasis on mental health and wellbeing, recognising the significant pressures natural disasters can place on business owners, employees and their families.<\/p>\n
GIQ CEO Colin Fruk said preparation remained critical for Queensland growers.<\/p>\n
\u201cQueensland 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.<\/em><\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re grateful for the Queensland Government\u2019s 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.\u201d <\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Supporting a resilient Queensland greenlife industry<\/h2>\n
Queensland\u2019s production nursery industry generates more than $1 billion annually and supports more than 6,000 jobs, while supplying the trees and plants that underpin landscaping, urban greening, horticultural production and greener communities across the state.<\/p>\n
QFF CEO Kylie Porter said the industry\u2019s exposure to natural disasters made industry-specific preparedness resources particularly important.<\/p>\n
\u201cWith the Greenlife industry predominantly located along Queensland\u2019s coastline, cyclones, severe storms, hail and flooding events are all potential risks to a grower\u2019s productivity and profitability.\u201d <\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
The updated manual was reprinted with funding from the Queensland Government\u2019s Industry Recovery and Resilience Officer program, jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).<\/p>\n
Download the Natural Disaster Preparation Manual<\/h2>\n
GIQ encourages all Queensland production nurseries to download the updated manual, review their current disaster preparedness arrangements and ensure key staff know what to do when severe weather threatens.<\/p>\n