Concerns are escalating in north Queensland as officials brace for further flooding due to a potential tropical cyclone forming in the Coral Sea. The region has already been devastated by significant flooding events that have reportedly claimed over 20,000 cattle and disrupted local businesses and road networks, isolating several towns.
During a visit to the outback town of Cloncurry on March 5, 2024, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced a $38 million rescue package aimed at supporting communities impacted by recent floods. He expressed his alarm at the prospect of additional rain, stating, “We’re very worried. The fact is that we are seeing more frequent natural disasters and more intensity in them.”
The federal and state governments are mobilizing this financial aid to assist in various recovery efforts. This includes funding to repair the flooded Cloncurry Airport, which has been rendered inoperable, forcing the Prime Minister’s party to travel overland from nearby Mount Isa.
In addition to infrastructure repair, the support package allocates $21.5 million in grants to farmers affected by the floods, providing up to $75,000 each, with $10,000 available immediately. Furthermore, farmers will have access to an additional $5 million dedicated to food drops for livestock stranded by floodwaters, supplementing an earlier commitment of $2 million.
Treasurer Jim Chalmers, accompanying the Prime Minister, emphasized the importance of the region’s economic contributions. “We know the people, communities and industries of regional Queensland play a crucial role in our country and its economy, and we are here for them every step of the way,” he stated.
The current flooding has reportedly resulted in one death, involving a man in his 70s found in his vehicle surrounded by floodwaters. Local authorities are on high alert, particularly as meteorologists predict more rainfall in the coming week, aggravating an already precarious situation with waterlogged soils.
Cloncurry Mayor Greg Campbell highlighted the need for a rethinking of water management strategies in light of increasing flooding severity. He suggested that the region might have to consider allowing floodwaters to flow freely instead of attempting to contain them. “Do we start planning infrastructure to try and let water get away rather than make them run a dam?” he questioned.
Flinders Shire Mayor Kate Peddle acknowledged the extensive damage while also noting that it could have been worse for their community. “I’d say that we were the lucky ones, not to diminish the graziers who did have a really hard time,” she remarked, emphasizing the need for improved flood protection measures in the far north.
Meanwhile, Richmond Shire Mayor John Wharton reported that while the flooding impact has not reached the severity of the 2019 disaster, many farmers are left with no source of income. “I’ve seen a lot of dead cattle. Some people have lost everything,” he lamented.
As Queensland prepares for the possibility of a tropical cyclone, the government’s swift financial response aims to mitigate the human and economic toll of the ongoing natural disaster. The situation remains fluid, and local officials are urging communities to remain vigilant as they navigate these challenging circumstances.
