Farmers in North Queensland are grappling with severe flooding as the region receives an unprecedented 477 millimetres of rain, isolating many from their livestock. Peter and Hannah Hacon, who manage a station near Cloncurry, are among those facing significant challenges as their operations have been compromised by rising waters. The couple is currently unable to access their cattle, turning their situation into a high-stakes waiting game.
Across the North West, numerous families are on flood watch. Roads have become submerged, and many producers find themselves stranded in towns or cut off on their stations. Mr. Hacon expressed concern about the damage the flooding may have caused, stating, “At this stage, it’s difficult to know the full extent of the damage. There will certainly be some minor flood damage, but we won’t know the true impact until we’re able to get a good look from the air.”
Limited visibility has hindered the couple’s ability to assess their livestock’s condition. “Visibility has been limited for several days due to ongoing rain,” Mr. Hacon noted, adding that they remain hopeful there will be no stock losses. As the rain continues, the situation remains precarious.
Reflecting on the devastating 2019 floods, which resulted in the loss of approximately 2,500 head of cattle for their neighbours at Granada Station and Cubbaroo, Mrs. Hacon shared their emotional strain. “Like many people up here, we carry a bit of post-traumatic stress disorder when we see these systems roll in and sit over us for days at a time,” she said. The risks are elevated during this vulnerable period, particularly as calves are being born and temperatures drop.
Despite the anxiety surrounding the flooding, Mr. Hacon emphasized that the overall season could still be promising. “Assuming conditions stabilise, it’s shaping up to be a good season overall, which should have positive flow-on effects for our pasture, production, and markets in the months ahead,” he stated.
Further south, Terri and Ian Pedracini, who operate Scartwater Station 180 kilometres from Charters Towers, reported receiving 165 millimetres of rain on Christmas Day. While they have not yet experienced operational disruptions, the flooding has cut off their access to town. Mrs. Pedracini explained, “This flooding doesn’t affect the running of our operations at the moment due to all the businesses closed over the Christmas period, but the flooding does affect us from getting into town.”
Looking ahead, Mrs. Pedracini is concerned about the long-term implications of the flooding on their business. “Due to the flooding road conditions, it will and can affect our business in the new year, long after the flooding has gone,” she added.
As the situation continues to develop, the resilience of North Queensland farmers remains evident. The community has rallied in the past during crises, with support coming from both local initiatives and governmental assistance. Mr. Hacon recalled the help they received during the 2019 floods, stating, “People we’d never met were sending fruit cakes and smoko, volunteers were turning up from miles away to help with the clean-up.”
As the farmers await clearer skies and assess the damage, they remain hopeful for recovery and a thriving season ahead.
