New resources empower local businesses for disaster planning

Published on 19 February 2026

Council has launched a suite of new resources as part of its Business Resilience Program, designed to empower local businesses to plan for continuity during disaster events.

Council’s Business Resilience Program, supported by Shell Australia, equipped regional businesses with practical strategies to anticipate, prepare for, respond to and recover from disruptions.

Council Spokesperson for Business Strategy and Economic Development Cr Megan James said the new Business Resilience Program resources were free and available now for Western Downs businesses.

"These free resources offer support and advice around a range of important topics including risk management, cash flow, operational continuity, marketing strategies, workplace culture, and the effective use of support networks," Cr James said.

"The Business Resilience Program also offered a series of practical workshops equipping business owners with essential knowledge to help them plan for disasters and manage disruptions.

"In addition to group workshops, the program provided one-on-one mentoring sessions, giving business owners access to specialist guidance and personalised advice.

"These sessions allowed participants to discuss specific challenges and receive hands-on tools designed to strengthen their business continuity plans.

"For businesses who were unable to attend the workshops or mentoring sessions, these new online resources are a fantastic tool for building resilience, the ability to adapt to changing circumstances, and to safeguard operations against future disruptions."

The program supports local businesses to strengthen resilience, improve sustainability, and prepare for future challenges.

Bushman Tanks Southern Queensland manager Marina Thompson said the program had been invaluable in supporting local businesses to strengthen resilience, improve sustainability and plan for future challenges.

"The biggest benefit came from having direct access to a dedicated consultant - James McIntosh - who provided an outside perspective and assisted us with guidance on issues and considerations we may have overlooked," Mrs Thompson said.

“Operating in the Western Downs gives us diversity and opportunity; it also gives a few natural disasters here and there and this program has been essential for strengthening our internal resources.

“Like many local businesses, staffing and logistical pressures continue to be our biggest challenges but thanks to our learnings through Business Resilience Program, we've already implemented some practical changes at Bushmans.

“We’ve increased localised networking and used the strategies provided to reconfigure some of our current work methods.

“Business resilience is essential in the Western Downs as it allows businesses to think outside the box, gain experience from other sources, and grow with confidence.

"I'd like to thank Western Downs Regional Council and Shell QGC for offering this great program to help strengthen local businesses in our region."

All the resources for the Business Resilience Program can be accessed by visiting: wdrc.au/businessresilienceprogram.