Scenic Rim shines in 2020 Resilient Australia Awards (Queensland

An initiative to connect consumers with Scenic Rim produce after the cancellation of 2020 Eat Local Week has earned the Scenic Rim Regional Council a win in the Resilient Australia Awards (Queensland).

Scenic Rim Farm Box, which Council supported as part of its Economic Stimulus Package in response to COVID-19 in lieu of its usual contribution to Eat Local Week, won an award in the Local Government Award category at the 2020 Resilient Australia Awards (Queensland) on 14 October.

The awards recognise projects that have helped Queensland communities better prepare for natural disasters and emergencies.

At a time when local producers were losing valuable income as a result of the global pandemic, Scenic Rim Mayor Greg Christensen said the farm to fridge pivot went a long way to filling the gap caused by both the cancellation of Scenic Rim Eat Local Week and loss of business as supply chains and restaurants closed due to COVID-19.

"Scenic Rim Eat Local Week, which was due to celebrate its 10th anniversary in 2020, pumps around $2 million into the local economy each year and attracts close to 40,000 visitors,” he said.

“It also provides our artisanal producers with a fantastic sales outlet for their products and builds loyal relationships with our city cousins. So there was a big gap there which had to be filled in a big way.

"We have seen steady growth in the number of participating suppliers registered with Scenic Rim Farm Box, offering over 240 different product lines available for purchase.

“By leveraging existing networks created by the highly successful annual Eat Local Week, Council was able to work with local producers to ensure Scenic Rim Farm Box had a fast turnaround to implementation to bring much needed economic stimulus to the region."

Genevieve Windley from Scenic Rim Farm Box thanked Council for its support.

"Council’s support of the Scenic Rim Farm Box concept has been critical to its success, she said.

"Combined with the support from local producers and Kalfresh’s in-kind contribution, it meant we were able to get up and running within three weeks of launch. Scenic Rim Farm Box is now delivering products from more than 50 Scenic Rim producers and has created 18 direct jobs and more indirectly."

Cr Christensen said the collaboration had achieved significant outcomes for the region.

"Scenic Rim Farm Box is a perfect example of local government building better links with the private sector as a priority, not least because infrastructure is often owned or managed by private interests which deliver services that enable communities to function," he said.

"Council applauds the self-determination and resilience shown by producers during difficult times to enhance income and sustainability through market diversification initiatives like Scenic Rim Farm Box.

"The project has generated 18 direct casual jobs, which is equivalent to 10 full-time positions, and also the additional indirect jobs supported by the 50 businesses which supply produce to the operation.

"Our local farmers and producers are benefiting and so are our local builders, drivers, box packers, uniform providers and sign writers.

“As a region that has faced ongoing drought, bushfires and now COVID-19, we are proud of the strength and resilience our communities have shown and their willingness to adapt to an everchanging environment.

"Excitingly, this initiative is inspiring people to visit the Scenic Rim, enhancing our region's brand for produce excellence and cementing our reputation as a foodie destination."

The Scenic Rim Regional Council and Ipswich City Council were joint winners in the highly competitive Local Government category. Each of the winning Queensland projects will now be reviewed by the Australian Institute for Disaster Resilience for consideration for a National Resilient Australia Award later this year.

Photo: Ashleah and Kane Lutter of The Butcher Co with Mayor Greg Christensen, centre. Photo by Luke Marsden.