We are recruiting for two (2) Industry Recovery and Resilience Officer (IRRO) in Central Western Qld.
About the Organisation
The Remote Area Planning and Development Board (RAPAD) more commonly known as RAPAD, and its business units of Rural Financial Counselling Service North Qld and Farm Business Planning North Qld (RFCSNQ and FBPNQ) deliver a range of programs on behalf of the Commonwealth and Queensland Governments.
These IRRO roles are part of a network of programs, most closely aligning to the existing IRRO role delivered via RFCSNQ, the Farm Business Planning Resilience program, via FBPNQ, and the Exclusion Fence Restitution Fund, via RAPAD.
More information on RAPAD, RFCSNQ and FBPNQ can be found at, and .
The Role
The IRRO's objectives are to assist in medium-term recovery and long-term resilience by:
o assisting primary producers that have been impacted by an eligible disaster event in accessing referral pathways to available grants and loans and industry, business, financial and mental health support,
o supporting those delivering the Exclusion Fence Restitution Fund through engagement with applicants, assisting with applications, gathering requisite information and other activities requested by RAPAD,
o promotion of the Community Event Fund and working with local government, not for profits, Community Recovery Officers, mental health service providers and NRM groups to support additional community events or enhance existing community events to assist in community recovery, maintain social cohesion and interaction and build on existing resilience amongst individuals, families and communities,
o working with NRM groups and graziers to recognise impacts of the flooding event that may have a longer-term impact on enterprise productivity and supporting implementation of on-ground assistance to mitigate those impacts,
o identifying event impacted areas and areas of emerging needs and delivering workshops that meet the needs of impacted producers, and
o supporting the development of industry-specific on-farm business resilience plans and providing links to technical advice on natural disaster recovery and resilience,
o supporting and actively contributing to the Farm Business Resilience Planning program where required.
The IRRO Outcomes are:
o primary producers are supported in medium to long term recovery with access to referral pathways for support such as available financial support, financial counselling and mental health,
o agricultural businesses have increased awareness of the risks that disasters have on their business and are supported in business resilience planning to address the potential risks and threats from future, natural disasters and opportunities to undertake activities to mitigate broader impacts of climate variability,
o workshops, targeted training and community events focused on the agricultural sector will build community resilience by creating stronger connections and relationships,
o long-term resilience is strengthened across multiple high value production industries across Queensland.
The activities to be delivered by the IRRO program includes:
o supporting primary producers to access available assistance such as DRFA recovery grants and loans,
o supporting primary producers to identify and access other support measures that may be available such as mental health programs,
o providing a referral service to financial counselling, Business Wellness Coaches, social support services, health and other related programs,
o assisting primary producers in the development of individual resilience plans including providing a connection to planning programs that already exist to increase resilience (for example the Farm Business Resilience Program (FBRP) of the Future Drought Fund),
o monitoring, evaluating and reporting to Government; based on their engagement with industry, what gaps may exist in available services,
o providing and supporting technical advice to further aid recovery such as animal welfare, vegetation and pasture management, nutrition, resilient farming systems,
o delivering workshops and providing other services on emergent issues identified during delivery and engagement,
o communicating with farmers and affected businesses within priority impacted areas, including via the use of print and social media, to promote the recovery services available,
o working in the interests of all farmers and rural communities in the priority impacted areas,
o linking with industry, commodity, and community networks,
o Assisting allied industry groups with facilitating engagement activities and supporting localised mitigation and preparedness activities,
o working together, across other DRFA programs in Queensland to ensure all producers impacted by the eligible event can access assistance and support,
o Supporting and delivering the Farm Business Resilience Program within the CWQ region as part of the multi-agency project team, engaging with producers through online appointments, property visits, workshops, and collaboration with other program deliverers,
o Increase producer awareness of the benefits and value of strategic planning, business management skills, and professional advice, providing information on government and other assistance schemes (including industry and community-based programs) to facilitate client participation,
o Foster partnerships and maintain effective relationships with government agencies, industry associations, and community organisations to leverage resources and maximise program impact,
o developing, updating and delivering (with other IRROs, QDPI staff, Rural Financial Counselling Service (RFCS) and Industry groups) an FBRP Natural Disaster Resilience Module which is a half-day training module that can be adapted depending on the disaster and industry. This module is to fit within the Queensland Farm Business Resilience Plan template(s) and activities within industry group engagement. This may include identifying practical tools, actions, mitigation activities and simple case studies to assist businesses to identify activities primary producers may want to undertake which would improve their businesses natural disaster resilience,
o Providing regular qualitative and quantitative reporting (monthly) covering but not restricted to engagement activities, producers supported, emerging issues and communications activities and reach.
o Provision of one legacy product (per IRRO) during the contracted period which may include a case study (video or written), product supporting natural disaster preparedness or other item agreed on consultation with coordinator.
The Industry Recovery and Resilience Officers will link in with appropriate community networks and refer to and receive referrals from other support services as appropriate including Rural Financial Counsellors (RFCs), Exclusion Fence Restitution Fund team members and existing Queensland Health programs.
Key Requirements of this role
To be successful in the role of an IRRO, candidates are required to possess the following skills and attributes:
* Demonstrated knowledge of primary production systems and enterprises, including financial, within the Central Western Qld and surrounding region,
* Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of natural disaster impacts, the recovery from, and mitigations for future, in the context of primary production in the CWQ region,
* Knowledge of risk and its management, in the context of primary production in the CWQ region,
* Demonstrate and understand the benefits and value of strategic planning, business management skills, and professional advice in primary production, and providing information on government and other assistance schemes (including industry and community-based programs) that facilitates client participation,
* A deep and empathetic understanding of the community, local government, commodity, and industry networks of the CWQ region,
* Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organisational skills,
* A demonstrated willingness to engage in supervision and mentoring and be able to work independently, but equally, have a desire to work collaboratively with the RAPAD, RFCSNQ and FBPNQ team across a remote and large geographic area,
* Emotional maturity and empathy for others,
* Current drivers licence,
* Excellent computer and office software skills, and
* Knowledge of client management systems and understanding that provision of data to the funders and the employer is paramount.
Tertiary qualifications in Business/Finance/Economics, Agriculture, Natural Resource Management, or a related field are advantageous but not essential; substantial demonstrated experience in agribusiness will be highly regarded.
The successful candidate will live in the Central Western Qld region, or be willing to relocate to that region, at their own expense. This role is not suited to FIFO. The role will require travel throughout the region and statewide at times. Home office is likely to be required.
Remuneration
A remuneration between $110,000.00 and $115,000.00 gross per annum, dependant on qualifications and experience, plus legislated superannuation, is offered.
Benefits
o Competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience, five weeks' annual leave, and flexible working arrangements.
o Collaborative work environment with a supportive, experienced team.
o Company car, laptop, and mobile phone provided for work purposes.
o Portable Long Service Leave and Salary Sacrificing options available.
o Opportunity to make a significant impact on the resilience and sustainability of agricultural businesses.
Further information on RAPAD, RFCSNQ and FBPNQ is located at,, and
Police Checks
Successful applicants may be required to undergo a police check.
How to Apply
1. Submit a CV detailing all qualifications, recent and relevant professional development, and employment history outlining the employer, your role title (optional - brief explanation of that role), and any other relevant work experience (maximum three A4 pages).
2. Provide a written response of no more than three A4 pages, clearly and succinctly outlining how you meet the 'Key Requirements of this role', focusing on what you will bring to this role.
3. Referees are not required in your application however should you be considered after interview, you will be required to provide several referees who can attest to your skills and attributes specific to this role.
Who to send your application to
If NOT applying via SEEK:
Applicants are to send only one (1) copy of their application to:
AND AND noting in the subject header – Industry Recovery and Resilience Officer application.
Closing Date: 6 February 2026, 1.00pm Qld time.
For more information, please contact:
Morgan Gronold on or or David Arnold on or .