With Tropical Cyclone Kirrily expected to make landfall between Cardwell and Bowen late this evening, DAF’s North and Central Response and Recovery teams are working together and meeting daily in preparation. The Ag State Coordination Centre has been stood up to support the regionally-led response. The Agriculture Disaster Taskforce has met and will keep meeting as required. The State Disaster Coordination Centre has also moved to stand-up to support the response from a whole-of-government perspective.  

We are closely monitoring the movements of the cyclone and working closely with industry to ensure we are prepared to respond. Additionally, we are participating at District Disaster Management Group meetings to ensure we have the most current information for decision-making. 

Further updates will be provided as the event upfolds. 

 

Help get the word out 

While cyclones are unpredictable and can change direction and intensity at any time, it’s crucial for primary producers to be prepared. We have added cyclone preparedness posts to our Queensland Agriculture Facebook page that you can share with primary producers through your channels. I would also appreciate your assistance to remind primary producers to report farm damage or losses via the Disaster Impact Survey, so we can determine if additional assistance is needed to support recovery. We will continue to share important messages through this channel during the recovery stage. 

You can also stay up-to-date with the cyclone impacts by checking your local council dashboard for emergency news, road closures and updates on support services. 

 

Office closures 

Please also be advised that we have stood down DAF staff at the following work locations until after the cyclone has passed and any potential damage can be assessed and rectified. 

 Facility    Closed from  
Ingham  Thursday 25 January 
Townsville office    Closed from midday Wednesday 24 January  
Ayr research facility    Closed from midday Wednesday 24 January  
Charters Towers office (including Spyglass beef research facility and Tropical Weeds Research Centre)    Closed from midday Wednesday 24 January  
Cannonvale office   Closed from midday Wednesday 24 January  
Bowen research facility    Closed from midday Wednesday 24 January  
Airlie Beach office    Closed from midday Wednesday 24 January  
Proserpine office   Closed from midday Wednesday 24 January