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variety of considerations such as the need to address environ- mental resilience, economic resilience, animal welfare, infra- structure and road access, access to services, community cohesion and mental health preservation, and sometimes the sheer distan- ces involved in running an agri- culture business in regional or remote Australia. As many farmers know, a re- silience mindset is part of living on the land. It is important to consider all aspects of resilience, continually develop and review an emergency plan, get ready for any eventuality early and imagine and prepare for the worst. Being prepared with a plan that is personalised and localised is in- valuable – but only if it is in place before disaster strikes. Knowing what you will do, where you will go, and who you will call, can help to reduce uncertainty during a dis- aster and increase capability and confidence. Reaching out to those who might be new in your area, or just travelling through, will pro- tect your whole community, be- cause they may not know the land as well as you do. Early planning, education and learning about risks and hazards, and strength- ening connections of those who live nearby will enable you to be resilient and help others if (per- haps when) disaster strikes. Dr Margaret Moreton is the Execu- tive Director of the Australian Insti- tute for Disaster Resilience.
Drought and Climate Adaptation Program is one government in- itiative helping farmers in Queens- land better manage drought and climate risks with improved sea- sonal forecast products, sharing tools, and on-property activities. The best climate scientists, gov- ernment and non-government agencies, farmers, and industry leaders are working together on several cutting-edge projects targeting the grazing, cropping, sugarcane, and horticulture com- modities. Queensland farmers are adopting new technologies and practices to improve both their management decisions and abil- ity to manage risks that challenge their business. Resilience spans far beyond whether the flames or the flood- waters reach a property or home. The unique characteristics of the agricultural industry requires a
cultural industry, the family home and the family business are usually on the same property, concentrat- ing things of emotional and eco- nomic value in one location. For example, connection to place and care for livestock may influence a decision to evacuate during a disaster event – understanding these values and their influence on decision-making and behaviour contributes to resilience and pre- paredness to disaster events. Connections and capacities at the community level have a signifi- cant impact on a town or a region’s collective disaster resilience. The more connected a community is, and the more it understands its diversity, needs, strengths, and vulnerabilities, the better it will re- cover from a disaster . Partnerships between farmers, and with government and other agencies, also build resilience. The
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