Ongoing flooding across Outback Queensland has prompted emergency responses, including aerial fodder drops to stranded livestock. Communities in north-west Queensland, particularly around Julia Creek, remain isolated due to floodwaters disrupting roads, rail lines, and runways. Livestock losses are being assessed.
Livestock Support and Economic Impact
Cody Rogers has been coordinating hay bale drops in the Julia Creek area, with approximately 70 to 80 bales delivered. Pilots are also engaged in moving cattle to higher ground. The Department of Primary Industries has not yet released official figures on livestock losses, though graziers have reported varying impacts, from minimal to significant.
Assistant Minister for Western Queensland Sean Dillon noted infrastructure damage and livestock losses, indicating the event's intensity in affected areas may be more severe than the 2019 floods. The operational costs for fodder drops are substantial; Mr. Rogers' team reported expenditures of $40,000 for one day's operations.
The Queensland and Commonwealth governments have jointly allocated a $2 million emergency fodder support package for producers in McKinlay Shire, which includes Julia Creek. Minister for Disaster Recovery Ann Leahy stated that producers should lodge requests with their local council, with provisions for extending support to additional locations if required.
Weather Conditions and Outlook
While severe weather has largely passed in the north-west, isolated heavy rainfall remains possible over the weekend. The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a major flood warning for Walkers Bend, with potential major flooding for Richmond and Winton. Catchments across northern Queensland are saturated, increasing the risk of flash flooding and further river rises. Floodwaters are projected to persist in the north-west for several weeks.
Along the coast, a severe weather warning for the north tropical coast was canceled, but isolated heavy falls between Cairns and Mackay could continue until early next week. King tides are expected in the Townsville area until Monday, with a high of 4.03 meters forecast for Saturday, posing a risk to low-lying areas like South Townsville and Railway Estate.
Townsville Mayor Nick Dametto has advised residents to remain vigilant and prepared for an early start to the wet season, which could include cyclones or floods until late March. The BOM forecasts a tropical low developing in the northern Coral Sea from Monday, with a low chance of cyclonic development later in the week.
Public Safety and Incidents
Since Boxing Day, 22 crocodile sightings have been reported between Cairns and Townsville, attributed to floodwaters. Authorities advise crocodiles may seek quiet areas as waters recede.
One fatality has been confirmed: a man in his 70s was found deceased in a submerged vehicle in Normanton. Another incident involved a Victorian father and daughter escaping their four-wheel-drive after it was nearly submerged. With numerous roads closed across the region, police have urged motorists to avoid driving through floodwaters. Extra police resources have been deployed to McKinlay Shire, and prosecutions will occur for those bypassing road closure signs.