As residents in flooded western Queensland communities start the task of cleaning up, towns and properties downstream are bracing for an unprecedented volume of water heading down the Paroo, Bulloo, Maranoa, Condamine and Balonne rivers and adjoining creek systems.
Queensland farm group AgForce is closely monitoring the situation facing producers across the state and is liaising with its members and staff on-the ground, Queensland Primary Industries, local governments and Emergency Management Queensland to coordinate support to properties in disaster areas.
“Just as people in flooded towns have received water damage to their homes and businesses, many rural property owners are also experiencing extensive infrastructure losses as the floods leave damaged fences, roads, dams and buildings in their wake,” AgForce president John Cotter said.
“Some graziers in the worst hit areas were unable to move sheep and cattle to higher ground and AgForce is working with state and local government to monitor animal welfare concerns with aerial surveillance.
“Hundreds of farming families are flooded in on their properties but they are focusing on the long-term benefits of this rain. Our members are telling us that the full dams and grass that will grow in areas which may not have seen decent rain for 10 years is worth the short-term inconvenience and expense.”
Mr Cotter said it was now a waiting game for many property owners as the massive volume of water makes its way down the Maranoa River from Mitchell and Balonne River from the Condamine system to converge at Beardmore Dam north of St George.
Further west, the flood is expected to peak in Cunnamulla this weekend then continue down the Paroo River.
“While all these areas have experienced bad floods in the past this event is so severe because of the heavy rain which has fallen across all the creeks and rivers at the same time, pushing an immense volume of water down the system,” Mr Cotter said.
Reports that power and phones are cut to many properties is also concern as isolated people cannot be alerted to the flood situation.
Following discussions between AgForce and Primary Industries Minister Tim Mulherin, producers in disaster declared areas can now access financial assistance such as freight subsidies to move livestock or fodder when the water subsides rather than having to individually apply for a Disaster Stricken Property declaration.
“When flood waters recede we will have a better picture of property damage and stock losses,” Mr Cotter said.
As the flood eases Mr Cotter said producers would be looking for warm weather to rejuvenate pastures.
“The seasonal break in January and February was followed by hot weather which promoted pasture growth – likewise, warm weather is needed after the current rain and flooding to dry out paddocks and secure a body of grass to see livestock through winter.”
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