Lockyer Valley Regional Council, Queensland, hosted a drought support forum in late September, focusing on the plight of the region’s livestock farmers.
A total of 58 community members attended the forum, of which the majority were livestock owners.
Representatives from all levels of government (including those from the House of Representatives and the Senate) were also in attendance.
Guest speaker Warren Davies, who is also known as The Unbreakable Farmer, was a focus of the day and shared his experiences of farming through the Millennium Drought and major market changes.
Lockyer Valley Mayor, Tanya Milligan, said the forum was facilitated by Council’s community engagement team and utilised small group work at tables to ensure all participants had an opportunity to put forward their ideas.
“Council officers, including the executive leadership team acted as table facilitators to take notes and ensure farmers were free to share with and listen to one another.
“Topics covered at the forum included an assessment of the likely impact on livestock farmers if the drought doesn’t break in the next six months, as well as developing realistic ideas to provide meaningful support to those affected.”
The final question for the day asked each table to put up their top four items for action, which were then presented to the whole room.
Council collated the responses into a 39-point Livestock Farming Drought Support Action Plan under six main categories:
- Drought Relief – Financial and Resources
- Drought Relief – Financial Counselling and Mental Health Support
- Government Assistance and Regulation
- Community Awareness
- Future Proofing
- Other
“The Action Plan takes a shared-responsibility approach which depends on all levels of government, drought agencies and charities, the local community and farmers themselves to all do their part.
“Council has already commenced implementation of the Action Plan, including liaising with drought support agencies to attend community gatherings such as outdoor movie and social nights in the more rural areas, and the saleyards.
“Council also hosts a regular inter-agency meeting with drought support agencies to ensure we’re working together as effectively as possible on behalf of our local community.”
