A significant number of livestock have been lost in Queensland’s floods. Photo: The Lake Quilpie
Queensland has grappled with severe flooding, with record-breaking rainfall inundating large parts of the state.
Major flood warnings were issued for multiple rivers, including the Thomson, Barcoo, Bulloo, Paroo and Warrego. Vast areas of western and central Queensland have been submerged, with floodwaters surpassing levels seen during previous major flood events.
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The devastating impact on agriculture has been immense, with a significant number of livestock lost and much of the farmland destroyed.
Stock losses are expected to reach into the hundreds of thousands, compounding the already difficult conditions caused by ongoing droughts. This disaster has left farmers across these affected regions in urgent need of support to recover from the extensive damage and ensure the survival of their remaining livestock.
Thargomindah has been one of the worst hit, despite the locals’ best efforts.
Residents had tirelessly constructed a levee, building on areas where the last major flood had approached the south-west Queensland community.
“We had a flood in 2010. They were building around where it came through back then,” Thargomindah resident Jackie Dare said.
“Everything looked good and it was holding up.”
Thargomindah locals say they worked tirelessly to build a levee but Mother Nature had other ideas. Photo: Daniel Roy/AAP
Photo by
DANIEL ROY
Then the levee broke.
“It didn’t roll over the top. The water came through gaps. All of a sudden it just gave,” Jackie said.
“We had just worked tirelessly making new levee banks, dumping dirt.
“But you can’t fight Mother Nature when she is on a roll like that.”
Few places in Thargomindah were spared, with more than 90 per cent of homes affected by the flooding.
Every business was inundated, including the local Foodworks.
The town’s entire population of more than 200 people fled their homes.
At one stage they all relocated to higher ground at the local airport, spending the night in their cars or campervans as floodwaters threatened.
“Our airport is high and dry,” Jackie said.
“We did have a moment there where they were a bit concerned and some people went a little bit further out, but the airport never went under.”
The rain finally stopped, but residents have no idea when floodwaters will recede and they can safely return to their homes.
It is the worst flooding in the town’s history, with 7.5m-plus levels inundating the community, eclipsing the 1974 mark of 6.78m.
They have plenty of food, with swift water rescue crews helping by gathering what they can from inundated shops and homes.
But it will be hard for some to bounce back.
SES personnel survey the flooding in Thargomindah. Photo: James Brickwood
Photo by
JAMES BRICKWOOD
Rural Aid has swiftly mobilised to deliver critical relief to affected farmers. In collaboration with the Queensland Government, Rural Aid ensured that resources and aid were being directed to the most impacted areas.
A key initiative was the airlifting of bales of hay by helicopter to farmers who were cut off by the floods. These airlifts provided essential sustenance for stranded livestock, which was a lifeline for farmers unable to transport feed due to the devastating conditions.
Parts of western and central Queensland have seen record-breaking rainfall and severe flooding. Photo: Anne Marie Photography
Beyond immediate food relief for livestock, Rural Aid is also addressing the financial strain on farmers. Farmers from across the state have been issued prepaid Visa cards, providing them with direct financial assistance to help them cope with the economic challenges they are facing.
“The flooding in Queensland has created an incredibly challenging situation for farmers. We’re doing everything we can to provide immediate support and ensure farmers have the resources they need to care for their livestock,” Rural Aid chief executive John Warlters said.
“The scale of this disaster is overwhelming, but with the ongoing generosity of the public, we can make a real difference for those impacted.
“I’ve seen first-hand the strength and resilience of the farmers here, but the road to recovery will be long. Rural Aid is committed to supporting these communities every step of the way.”
Rural Aid’s support extends to long-term recovery, with a variety of ongoing initiatives aimed at helping farmers rebuild and recover. The public can contribute to these efforts by donating through the Rural Aid website at www.ruralaid.org.au/donate
Donations will play a crucial role in providing ongoing support to farmers, helping them recover and rebuild in the wake of this disaster. Affected farmers can also register for assistance at www.ruralaid.org.au/services-provided/ or call 1300 327 624.
