Rural
2 April, 2025
Thousands of livestock lost in floods
QUEENSLAND is currently grappling with severe flooding, with record breaking rainfall inundating large parts of the state.
Vast areas of western and central Queensland have been submerged, with floodwaters surpassing levels seen during previous major flood events.
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.
In collaboration with the Queensland Government, Rural Aid is ensuring that resources and aid are being directed to the most impacted areas.
A key initiative has been the airlifting of bales of hay by helicopter to farmers who have been cut off by the floods.
These airlifts provide essential sustenance for stranded livestock, which is a lifeline for farmers unable to transport feed due to the devastating conditions.
Beyond immediate food relief for livestock, Rural Aid is also addressing the financial strain on farmers.
Farmers from across the state have already been issued prepaid Visa cards, providing them with direct financial assistance to help them cope with the economic challenges they are facing.
Rural Aid CEO, Mr John Warlters, who is currently in Charleville coordinating relief efforts, said, “The flooding in Queensland has created an incredibly challenging situation for farmers.”
“The scale of this disaster is overwhelming, but with the ongoing generosity of the public, we can make a real difference for those impacted,” he said.
Mr Warlters added, he has seen firsthand the strength and resilience of the farmers, but the road to recovery will be long.
