Flooding losses of more than $150m as rain continues

Flooding during 40 days and 40 nights of rain has caused more than $150m in damage across Queensland, a preliminary assessment by the Queensland Government has revealed. Estimates in the Charleville and Emerald regions sit at $39m in lost gross agricultural production. With on-farm infrastructure losses and damage of $46m, the total primary industries sector currently stands at $85m. The losses include $22m for cereal grain and other crop losses. Cotton losses are estimated at $14m, as well as losses of vegetable crops. An estimated 4,000 cattle and calves have been lost in the flooding, worth in excess of $2m. Emergency services minister Neil Roberts said there were long-term benefits from the rain, with increased water availability expected to boost grain production by 25%, significant boosts to cotton production and promote good pasture growth. Mr Roberts said the mining industry had suffered major impacts with the loss of a dragline at Ensham mine and major impacts at North Curragh mine. &#8220These factors will impact on coal production in the short-term, but the coal industry is very robust and the overall impact should not be severe over the longer term,&#8221 he said. The Queensland Resources Council upgraded its assessment of damage and losses to mines in Central Queensland affected by flooding from tens of millions of dollars to hundreds of millions of dollars last week. A QRC spokesman told Lloyd’s List DCN there were too many variables to calculate a precise figure, however the estimated total loss across its affected member base was &#8220close to a billion&#8221 dollars. Mr Roberts said there had been impacts on the tourism industry, particularly in the Whitsunday area, in terms of lost revenue. He said infrastructure damage estimates from local governments were currently around $59m, primarily to roads and bridges. The bill for damage is set to rise with flooding continuing in Queensland’s south-east, causing flash flooding at Brisbane and the Gold Coast. Flood warnings remain current for the Fitzroy River, Paroo River, Bulloo River, Lower Thomson and Barcoo Rivers and Cooper Creek, Nerang and Coomera Rivers, and more heavy rain is expected this week. The affected areas extends from the State’s far north to the NSW border. "In the Emerald area, 3,100 people have registered as&#8224evacuees,&#8221 Mr Roberts said. &#8220In all, 380 houses and three commercial properties, including the shopping centre, were flood affected.&#8221 At Charleville, 20 houses and 15 commercial properties were flood affected, while 56 houses and 10 commercial properties were affected at Charters Towers. In Belyando Shire, 59 properties inundated and 30 properties were isolated for up to eight days.

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