3 minute read
Resilience and preparedness
trending terms nationally
BY CHRIS WHEATCROFT CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, RURAL WEST
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In 2021 Rural West's thoughts on ‘Resilience, Preparedness and Shared Responsibilities in Drought Support’ have been sought several times as these become a popular topic on the national agenda.
We acknowledge this is never completely simple and suggest encouragement of those factors that consciously support the industry with growers and key
stakeholders having a conscious positive intention to deal with
adversity (drought, flood, fire, markets, etc). This can be achieved using best practice principles that are readily available to them and used by many enterprises. In saying this, we reflect on what we have observed as key aspects by good operators. WA does appear to be somewhat ahead of the game.
There are key management strategies of relevance. Encouragement of the culture of responsibility is important and avoids those responses and programs that encourage dependency. Pursuing profitability alongside sustainability. We think growers largely hold and/or access the expertise required on a continual basis. Access to programs that record operations and expenditures allow growers to measure what they manage.
f COMING to terms with your situation enables your natural strengths and resilience to be accessed in a strategically effective way.
Encouragement of an industry culture that handles turbulence as a normal aspect of farming. This is a challenge that the industry should have the capacity to respond to without welfare.
It is a source of pride of most WA growers who have a culture of self-responsibility, believing all the required information and techniques needed to deal with a turbulent environment are available.
When working with enterprises in difficulty, the single most effective factor is enabling the people involved to come to terms with their situation — they then make the changes required. They do not need a lot of education or plans; they simply need to “get their heads around the situation” in a way that enables their natural strengths and resilience to be accessed in a strategically effective way. They will then source what is needed.
Good records greatly assist the ‘reality’
testing of approaches as ideas are turned into strategies forward. At times, this requires additional In these interviews, we continually knowledge and expertise, but once emphasize that primary enterprises the people have their heads around exist in a competitive environment and the issues, they will source the deserve our respect as they pursue necessary knowledge (whether through profitability alongside sustainability. consultants/study/web-based resources and info/or a combination, etc.). The culture is what allows the positive focus for their energy. MORE INFORMATION If you are experiencing financial difficulty There is a danger of building and need a hand, contact Rural West a whole ‘welfare’ system on 1800 612 004 or via email — of ‘helping growers’ that enquiries@ruralwest.com.au. will be detrimental to the Supported by the State and managers of enterprises Federal governments, Rural that take responsibility to West works with a wide range ensure they can survive of primary producers and unexpected market and regional small business seasonal variations. owners to improve their position and profitability. Difficulties can come to primary enterprises in many forms and are sometimes unseen initially. Rural West Call 1800 612 004 or visit for more information. ruralwest.com.au works with any enterprise in difficulty using Harvard University concepts to allow the families involved to develop a way forward that fits their values, goals and finances. This will enable them to continue to be independent and forward-looking.
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