Graziers and broadacre farmers in the Burnett Mary region now have two officers to assist them with long-term flood recovery and resilience.

Virginia Kelleher and Leesa Kelly have joined the Burnett Mary Regional Group (BMRG) to deliver the Industry Recovery and Resilience Officer (IRRO) program.

The Queensland Farmers Federation is leading the program for sugar, horticulture, cotton and dairy producers.

Jointly funded through Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), the program is designed to provide long-term support following the significant floods in 2021-22.

It aims to help producers develop strategies to mitigate farm business risk and develop a Flood Management Plan as part of their ongoing business planning.

Virginia Kelleher runs grazing operations with her husband at Gympie and Ban Ban Springs.

“We have seen extremely challenging times on both of our properties from devastating droughts to extreme flooding events,” she said.

“I realise now more than ever how important it is for primary producers to focus on best farm management practice and building resilience to extreme weather events.

“Working with BMRG and the region’s landholders provides the opportunity for me to draw on my knowledge and experience and share this to support and assist others.”

Leesa Kelly from the Gympie region has spent the past 20 years working for government and industry groups focused on natural resource and land management in Queensland and NSW.

“In 2019-20, I assisted in emergency management response during the devasting Currowan bushfires, after which I also played an integral part in the long road to recovery for fire-impacted landholders throughout the region,” she said.

“I love to connect people with resources and promote community networks.”

Leesa has a bachelor’s degree in environmental management and skills in project management, community engagement and mapping.

To contact an IRRO for grazing and broadacre cropping, call BMRG on 07 4181 2999 or email admin@bmrg.org.au.

To contact an IRRO for sugar, horticulture, cotton or dairy, call QFF on 07 3837 4720 or email qfarmers@qff.org.au.