On 23 May 2019, the Prime Minister of Australia, the Hon Scott Morrison MP, attended the North Queensland Livestock Industry Recovery Agency Advisory Board meeting in Cloncurry, Queensland.

The Board updated the Prime Minister on the progress of recovery since the floods, with a particular focus on the implementation of the recently launched $300 million Restocking, Replanting and On-farm Infrastructure Grants Program.

The Board advised the Prime Minister that communities appreciated the timely and targeted financial assistance and support provided following the floods. The Board also advised that the recovery is expected to take some time – due to the timeframes associated with pasture recovery, availability of suitable stock, the financial position of primary producers and the level of infrastructure repair required both on and off farm.

The Prime Minister reaffirmed his Government’s commitment to providing support over the long haul and noted that all levels of Government and the banks were working well to support those impacted by this unprecedented event.

Following the meeting, the Prime Minister and the Board met with community members at the Cloncurry Bowls Club and a local campdraft to hear firsthand the experiences of those directly impacted by the floods.

The Advisory Board supports the Head of the Agency, the Hon Shane Stone AC QC, and comprises members with on-the-ground livestock industry experience, stakeholder groups, and representatives of federal and local governments.

Members of the Advisory Board are:

• The Hon Shane L. Stone AC PGDK QC (Chair) - CEO North Queensland Livestock Industry Recovery Agency
• Tracey Hayes – former CEO of the Northern Territory Cattlemen’s Association and board member of the CRC for Developing Northern Australia
• Don Heatley OAM – pastoralist and former Chair of Meat and Livestock Australia
• Greg Campbell – pastoralist and Mayor of Cloncurry Shire Council
• David Galvin - former Chair of LiveCorp
• Daryl Quinlivan - Secretary, Department of Agriculture and Water Resources

Visit the Advisory Board and the North Queensland Livestock Industry Recovery Agency for more information.