Beefing up infrastructure boosts sustainability

Owning and operating a large beef enterprise through one of Australia’s worst droughts on record can prove quite the challenge but Peter has held his ground and is well set up for a sustainable future in beef production despite less than favourable weather conditions.  

Support from the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA) in the way of low interest Drought and Sustainability Loans has contributed to Peter’s current position and continued prospects of a profitable future in beef. 

“We’ve been able to do a substantial amount of improvement work at an interest rate we just wouldn’t have been able to get anywhere else,” Peter said.  

Peter, who runs two properties which have been in the family for over 100 years, most recently received a Sustainability Loan in 2014 to upgrade property infrastructure and increase the efficiency of managing activities like mustering and drafting cattle. 

The loan allowed for the purchase and installation of a pneumatic cattle crush – providing improved pressure control, less maintenance, better safety and reduced stress on the cattle. 

Peter says it enables the yard work to be completed with just “two and a dog” instead of seven people. 

The Sustainability Loan has also enabled Peter to improve the water infrastructure on his properties to give his livestock a reliable supply of water and the ability to graze more widely – something that is crucial during the hot, dry seasons.  

“We’ve seen the full effect of the drought in the past and the improvements we’ve made to water infrastructure means we can safely and reliably carry bigger numbers,” he said. 

The new solar watering points are much safer than windmills and have also reduced labour, time and costs for Peter and his family. 

“There’s no need to cart diesel around anymore. We know we’ve got water there, and [they’re] not going to need any maintenance in my lifetime,” he said.  

Peter is grateful for the efficiencies the assistance he’s received has created for his business and the relationship he has developed with QRIDA throughout the process.

“QRIDA understands not just ag, but all the individual regions – everyone we’ve spoken to [at QRIDA] understood where we are and what we’re trying to get done.” 

Sustainability Loans attract low interest rates, no fees or charges and provide up to $1.3 million for eligible primary producers to achieve a more profitable and sustainable farming enterprise.

Visit QRIDA Sustainability Loan to find out more.