Torrential rain damaging Qld farms

Crop and infrastructure damage from widespread flooding could rival the central
Queensland floods of 2008, the state's peak farming body AgForce says.
AgForce vice-president Ian Burnett, who flew over the region on Monday, said large
tracts of grazing land, dryland farming and irrigated cotton have been impacted by
torrential rains.
Parts of the central highlands have had up to 300mm of rain in the past three days,
he said.
Mr Burnett - a beef, cotton and grain producer in Emerald - said about 5000 hectares
of cotton is under water with other areas also inundated.
"The cost to the cotton industry will be significant given the strong price and the
large area planted in central Queensland," he said.
The lost cotton alone could cost the region approximately $31 million.
While there are no apparent cattle losses in the rich beef region, it may be months
before some producers can move cattle off-property to sell, creating a lag-time in
production, Mr Burnett said.
AgForce is also closely monitoring seasonal impacts in other parts of the state.
"Many producers in the southwest and southern inland areas have been unable to
finish their wheat harvest, while many growers on the (Darling) Downs have had their
crops destroyed or downgraded," Mr Burnett said.
Parts of central and southwest Queensland affected by floods are receiving natural
disaster relief from the state government following recent heavy rain.
State Emergency Services Minister Neil Roberts said nine council areas in central
and southwest Queensland had been declared under natural disaster relief and
recovery arrangements.
Mr Roberts said more requests were expected in coming days as rain continued to fall.
He said no monetary amount had yet been put on the damage to infrastructure or stock
losses.
Councils that have been declared are Gladstone, Rockhampton, Central Highlands,
Banana, Barcoo, Barcaldine, Lockyer, Blackall and Longreach shire areas.
Rain lashed much of the state on Monday, with the Sunshine Coast north of Brisbane
receiving another 90mm.



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