Published Friday, 25 January, 2008 at 04:28 PM
Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries
The Honourable Tim Mulherin
Flooding rain a double edged sword for farmers
Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries Tim Mulherin said overall crop and livestock losses and associated infrastructure damage from flooding in central and western Queensland could be as high as $70m to $100m.
“Damage to crops alone is estimated at $30m to $40m with thousands of hectares of agricultural land affected,’’ Mr Mulherin said.
“While the full extent of flood losses won’t be confirmed for some time, the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries has been undertaking aerial surveys and working closely with producers and industry to assess the scale of damage to crops, livestock and infrastructure,’’
Mr Mulherin, who spent two days in the region, talking to producers and industry representatives and looking at some of the worst-affected areas, said while the huge amount of rain had been devastating for some farmers it was a godsend for others across the state.
“The rain fell across a vast area bringing destructive flooding to some parts and much-needed water supplies for others,” he said.
“DPI&F is working with other government agencies to assist those who have been hardest hit by the flooding.
“It’s early days yet but we can confirm significant crop losses in some areas.”
“Sorghum, cotton, maize, mung beans and other broad acre crops have all suffered, and where crops have survived, harvest may be delayed while the soil dries out.’’
Damage to farming infrastructure could mean further costs for cropping and horticulture enterprises. This includes irrigation equipment, farm machinery, farm buildings, and ring tanks with an estimated damages bill of $30 million.
The flooding has also damaged a significant amount of fencing and caused major soil erosion in some areas.
Initial aerial surveys have been along the Native Companion Creek and Belyando River systems west of Emerald where moderate losses of stock have been confirmed.
Many of these will have been swept down-river and are expected to be returned to owners within six months. DPI&F is assisting by setting up an online database for recording and tracking missing stock in the coming months.
Emergency fodder drops are being undertaken as required in the Belyando Shire.
But Mr Mulherin said it was not all bad news.
“While the impacts and costs of the flooding will be substantial, it is expected that the overall benefits will be significant in the medium to longer term across the state,” he said.
“There will be accelerated pasture growth, good conditions for late summer sorghum and also for winter crops such wheat, barley and chickpeas,
“Many dams have been replenished by the rain, which will greatly benefit irrigated cropping in the affected region, particularly cotton, maize and horticulture production.
“On current prices the estimated benefit could be $240m over the next two years.
“Better estimates of the impacts of flooding are coming in daily assessments as the floodwaters recede.”
To report lost stock, or for more information on disaster assistance for primary producers and animal welfare, contact the Disaster Recovery Hotline 1800 440 074 or visit www.thepremier.qld.gov.au
Media: 3239 6530
“Damage to crops alone is estimated at $30m to $40m with thousands of hectares of agricultural land affected,’’ Mr Mulherin said.
“While the full extent of flood losses won’t be confirmed for some time, the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries has been undertaking aerial surveys and working closely with producers and industry to assess the scale of damage to crops, livestock and infrastructure,’’
Mr Mulherin, who spent two days in the region, talking to producers and industry representatives and looking at some of the worst-affected areas, said while the huge amount of rain had been devastating for some farmers it was a godsend for others across the state.
“The rain fell across a vast area bringing destructive flooding to some parts and much-needed water supplies for others,” he said.
“DPI&F is working with other government agencies to assist those who have been hardest hit by the flooding.
“It’s early days yet but we can confirm significant crop losses in some areas.”
“Sorghum, cotton, maize, mung beans and other broad acre crops have all suffered, and where crops have survived, harvest may be delayed while the soil dries out.’’
Damage to farming infrastructure could mean further costs for cropping and horticulture enterprises. This includes irrigation equipment, farm machinery, farm buildings, and ring tanks with an estimated damages bill of $30 million.
The flooding has also damaged a significant amount of fencing and caused major soil erosion in some areas.
Initial aerial surveys have been along the Native Companion Creek and Belyando River systems west of Emerald where moderate losses of stock have been confirmed.
Many of these will have been swept down-river and are expected to be returned to owners within six months. DPI&F is assisting by setting up an online database for recording and tracking missing stock in the coming months.
Emergency fodder drops are being undertaken as required in the Belyando Shire.
But Mr Mulherin said it was not all bad news.
“While the impacts and costs of the flooding will be substantial, it is expected that the overall benefits will be significant in the medium to longer term across the state,” he said.
“There will be accelerated pasture growth, good conditions for late summer sorghum and also for winter crops such wheat, barley and chickpeas,
“Many dams have been replenished by the rain, which will greatly benefit irrigated cropping in the affected region, particularly cotton, maize and horticulture production.
“On current prices the estimated benefit could be $240m over the next two years.
“Better estimates of the impacts of flooding are coming in daily assessments as the floodwaters recede.”
To report lost stock, or for more information on disaster assistance for primary producers and animal welfare, contact the Disaster Recovery Hotline 1800 440 074 or visit www.thepremier.qld.gov.au
Media: 3239 6530