When 2019 began, few people could have predicted the sheer scale of the challenges that rural and remote Queenslanders would face.
We knew drought was taking its toll and would extend into a seventh year in some areas, but the monsoon event that devastated the north and north west of the state was a kick in the guts that nobody could prepare for or prevent.
What followed in the weeks and months since has been truly inspirational.
Increasingly we face more natural disasters in this state than any other part of Australia, and unfortunately many people in other parts of Australia just cannot comprehend the reality of living with that worry and dealing with the consequences.
What we saw in the wake of this disaster was an outpouring of love and support from other Queenslanders, as Queenslanders have shown time and time again.
They pitched in, they donated to appeals, they facilitated donations and they all felt the distress of their fellow Queenslanders.
We know that those affected by this disaster were not looking for charity, but we also know they needed support and they needed it quickly.
In partnership with the federal government we have provided every possible support for industry and community recovery. Myself and my ministerial colleagues have been regular visitors to the affected regions since the disaster struck and I look forward to visiting these communities again in 2020 to see the progress of the recovery.
Alongside this challenge, 67.4 per cent of the state is now officially drought declared and estimates are that the gross value of agricultural production will fall by about 5 per cent as a result. As always, we will stand shoulder to shoulder with our farmers for as long as the drought lasts.
Of course, numbers will never tell the whole story.
Just as we know there are some farmers unable to plant a crop or who are desperately maintaining the last of their livestock, we also know that the fundamentals of our agricultural sector are still strong.
The strength, persistence, skills and innovation of Queensland farmers and their workers will see them through the tough times and ready to thrive when the rain comes.
We have continued to carry out strategic trade missions so that our increasingly famous produce can reach plates across the world and particularly throughout Asia building on our proud reputation as a clean, safe provider of world class produce. And the government continues to invest in agricultural research and extension so we can make the most of the opportunities these trade missions create.
At home we have taken every opportunity to urge your fellow Queenslanders to buy, enjoy and spread the word about delicious Queensland produce. I have urged every Queenslander to support our #eatqld campaign and spread the good word.
Wherever I travel, around the state, the nation or the world, I like to tell the inspiring stories of Queensland farmers and the rural and regional communities they support.
Your strength, your commitment and your ability to innovate and adapt are the reasons why agricultural production will continue to be a major driver of jobs and economic activity in this state long into the future.
Rural Queensland gives our state so much to be proud of. Thank you for being the backbone of our state.
- Queensland Agriculture Minister Mark Furner.
