Beyond the Dust: Impact of Drought on Town Businesses in Central West Queensland and some solutions

This project was commissioned by Western Queensland Drought Committee to [1] identify the financial, social and mental issues associated with drought for small town businesses, and [2] explore the appropriate responses to alleviate hardship and build resilient communities across the Central Western region. The project was to assist in providing evidence-based policy advice to influence public, private and NGO services providers. This report presents the results of a survey undertaken in 2016/2017 with 83 respondents; 35 in-depth interviews conducted with small town businesses across the Central West; and a public meeting.