Fodder drops to flood-hit farms in remote Queensland

Nick Gibbs | March 15, 2023

Emergency fodder drops are under way to herds in isolated parts of northwest Queensland after monsoonal floods cut roads and triggered evacuations.

State agriculture minister Mark Furner said his department is contacting farmers directly to find out what they need as flood waters slowly start to recede.

“We are co-ordinating emergency fodder drops, and my department is contacting farmers to let them know how they can have a drop to them,” he told parliament on Wednesday. 

It follows calls for the army to be brought in to help with flood recovery efforts. 

Federal Emergency Management Minister Murray Watt said the defence force was available if necessary, but the state had things under control.

“I’ve again today spoken to the Queensland Minister, Mark Ryan, to assess whether he thinks that any Defence Force assistance is needed, and again, the answer to me has been no,” he told ABC regional drive radio on Tuesday.

“The Queensland government has the resources, and local governments have the resources at the moment to get people what they need.”

Mr Watt said the emergency fodder drops were under way, managed by the state government.

“If the Queensland government gets to a point that they think they might need Defence Force assistance, of course, we’d provide that,” he said.

It is still unsafe for many people who were evacuated to return home, and police are reminding residents to limit movement in floodwaters after recent crocodile sightings.

Planning is underway to co-ordinate a safe return for residents in coming days, Senior Sergeant Adrian Rieck said.

“The Queensland Reconstruction Authority is also preparing to deploy to Burketown, to provide social support to our affected communities,” Senior Sergeant Rieck said.

Meanwhile, Federal MP Bob Katter, whose electorate covers the flood-affected region, wants recovery efforts coordinated from the Gulf country city of Mount Isa.

“We need someone based up there, who immediately understands the situation and can swiftly direct the army, direct funding, and call the shots in real time,” Mr Katter said.

Cattle Australia chair David Foote said many producers whose herds were decimated in the 2019 floods had been smashed again.

“The scale of these floods is unprecedented, with property after property underwater, as far as the eye can see,” Mr Foote said on Tuesday.

The federal and state governments offer disaster funding of up to $180 for individuals or $900 for families to cover personal essentials.

Loans for primary producers and small businesses of up to $250,000 are also available, as well as freight subsidies.

Minister Furner said assessments are underway to determine if more assistance is needed.