FLOOD affected producers in north west Queensland will update a federal government agency charged with long-term recovery strategies of their progress at a series of workshops next week.
The North Queensland Livestock Industry Recovery Agency will meet with impacted producers in Julia Creek, Richmond and Winton to gain insights from those at the coalface to help guide the recovery process.
The first in a series of roundtables was held at the Burdekin last week, which focuses on issues facing primary producers and their businesses following the monsoon trough in January-February 2019.
Agency CEO Shane Stone said it was an opportunity for primary producers to contribute to the strategy and build on the extensive consultation that the agency has undertaken since it was formed in March 2019.
"In the Burdekin, we've seen the impact on cane growers, fruit and vegetable growers, fish farmers and others," Mr Stone said.
"We need feedback and insights from all kinds of primary production that have suffered the effects of the floods.
"No one knows this region better than the people living here, and their input will help to ensure that the strategy hits the mark and is of real practical benefit.
"Six months on from the disaster, we've seen that farmers, businesses and communities are starting to get back on their feet-their spirit is returning but the job is far from over.
"Recovery from this event will take years, and it's important for us to identify what we can be doing now and in the future to enable the region's recovery and prosperity."
Roundtables, focusing on primary production, environment and community resilience will be held in Julia Creek on Tuesday, August 27, Richmond on Wednesday, August 28 and Winton on Thursday, August 29.
While the roundtables are for invited guests only, agency representatives are continuing to meet with stakeholders and will attend community and industry events over coming months to get further input.
The North Queensland Livestock Industry Recovery Agency was established to respond to the unprecedented and catastrophic flood event in North Queensland earlier this year.
Since its establishment, the agency has spent over a third of the time on the ground engaging with members of the community, primary producers, councils, small businesses, local service providers and charities across all impacted areas.
The agency is also working closely with its Queensland government counterparts to ensure the timely and effective delivery of services and support for eligible individuals, businesses and communities.