Local Businesses Ready to Weather Any Storm
Published on 25 November 2025
From planning for cyclones and floods to recovering from a cyber-attack, Rockhampton’s small and medium-sized businesses have been provided resources and advice to improve their resilience at the Disaster Preparedness Program.
Delivered by Advance Rockhampton and Rockhampton Regional Council’s Disaster Management Team, today’s workshop armed businesses with strategies to prepare for disasters, helping safeguard their operations and strengthen economic resilience. The free session included real-world training scenarios and covered disaster preparation and response, cyber security, business support measures, crisis communications, business continuity and recovery funding.
In addition to individual business strategies created at the workshop, a series of one-on-one mentoring sessions to further support businesses in preparing for, and recovering from, disasters is being offered to attendees. Additional workshops focused on the broader topic of business continuity will also be delivered by Advance Rockhampton in 2026.
More than a third of the workshop attendees had been previously affected by disasters, which are expected to cost the Queensland economy $530 billion between 2020 and 2060, according to the State Government’s State Disaster Risk Report (2023).
More information on preparing for, and recovering from disasters can be found here - https://www.rockhamptonregion.qld.gov.au/CouncilServices/Disaster-Management
The Disaster Preparedness Program is supported by the Queensland Government’s Get Ready Queensland program. For more information, visit getready.qld.gov.au
Quotes attributable to Rockhampton Regional Council Mayor and Chair of the Local Disaster Management Group, Tony Williams
“Whether it’s cyclones, floods, fires, or something even less predictable like another pandemic, the Rockhampton Region isn’t immune to disasters which is why preparation is key.
“Disasters can take a huge emotional toll and for small business owners there’s financial and logistical stress that comes with it.
“Through this collaboration between Advance Rockhampton and Council’s Disaster Management team, we’re helping businesses regain some control and reopen as quickly as possible.”
Quotes attributable to Advance Rockhampton Economic Development Manager, Wade Clark
“Even the smallest of disasters can cause a huge ripple effect for our local businesses. Something as simple as a grass fire closing a highway can cause disruptions to supply chains and potential loss of stock and income.
“Having a plan for all eventualities which come from disasters is the best way to protect your business, minimise disruption and keep your doors open.
“The Disaster Preparedness Program has helped participants create tailor made plans for their business which can act as a quick reference guide and get them back on track sooner.”