Queensland farmers are constantly adapting to climate variability and with the uncertainties of a changing climate, they must have the tools to bolster their adaptation plans and be able to build greater resilience into their businesses. After a federal government inquiry into the adequacy and appropriateness of policies and measures to support farmers, regional communities and the Australian economy through drought, a report was recently handed down by the committee recommending the development of a National Drought Policy.
Drought reform is never easy for farmers, communities, or government. The ideal time to progress drought reform is when farmers are not in the middle of dealing with it, least of all when large parts of the country are drought declared, including 64.7 per cent of Queensland. However, over roughly the past 25 years, there are only two short periods where parts of Queensland have not been drought declared, so there is no such thing as perfect timing.
With that in mind, and considering droughts may become more frequent, severe and longer in the future, further drought support and management tools are needed. The Farm Business Resilience Plan Program, which is jointly funded through the Australian and Queensland governments, and delivered by QFF and its members among others, is a positive step in the right direction. The Farm Business Resilience Program aims to build the strategic management capacity of farmers and graziers to prepare for, and manage business and climate risks, such as drought, and identifying priority risks and management processes can provide a pathway to improve productivity, land management and climate variability.
Droughts are part and parcel of farming in Queensland and there are no miracle cures or quick fixes. The challenge will now be to implement the committee's recommendations and ensure the right settings, timing and funding levels for any National Drought Policy. Any policy must recognise that many farmers have adopted improved land management practices, while policy implementation must not increase input costs for farmers who are genuinely mitigating risk and are more prepared for drought.
