THE cruel irony of the monsoonal rain event that flooded 100 million hectares in north west Queensland has not been lost on primary producers, with the majority of the impacted land once again drought declared.
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With little follow up rain following February's unprecedented event, which killed at least 500,000 had of cattle, there were no green shoots for graziers, with many still holding out for a decent wet season before they restock.
The live export industry is yet to feel the full effects of the loss, with drought impacted producers across Queensland, Northern Territory and NSW offloading their beasts providing a buffer for the trade.
North Queensland Livestock Recovery Agency board member Tracey Hayes provided an update on the ongoing recovery and future challenges to industry leaders at the LIVEXchange conference, being held in Townsville this week.
"Prior to the flood, Richmond, McKinlay, Flinders and Winton shires were all well and truly drought declared and since the rain, all of those shires are partially, if not fully, back in that drought declaration situation," Ms Hayes said.
"The irony is not lost on us."
Ms Hayes said hundreds of thousands of cattle, sheep and goats were lost as a result of flood waters, exhaustion and exposure to cold.
She said the social and economic loss associated with the flood was estimated at over $5.68 billion ,with the impact on agriculture estimated at $432 million.
"Stock losses were reported as high as 100 per cent on some properties and in particular breeders and export ready, so No.8 animals were certainly not missed.
"The true extent though is yet to play out with extensive livestock losses and long term impact on pastures.
"It leaves a substantial hole in the supply of cattle to important regional markets including the live export trade.
"Furthermore the true impact of the flood on the market is hidden by the insidious drought that's upon us at the moment.
"A lack of follow up rain and in some cases a return to drought conditions has really compounded the feed situation and half of the affected producers are still waiting to see how the season plays out before restocking.
"The flow on effects are felt beyond Queensland borders and right across Northern Australia including the live export sector.
"The live export trade is a critical market for most northern producers."
Ms Hayes said there were close inter-plays between the regions and major disruptions in one area had a knock on affect on others.
"We're now seeing incredibly high and unsustainable turn off rates in the Territory and that's adding an additional layer of complexity to the whole northern cattle market.
"Normally Queenslanders could rely on ... areas of the Territory as a resource or a supply of cattle for restocking however many of those cattle due to the drought have already found their way onto ships out of Darwin.
"It's certainly a reminder of the need to build resilience ... and try our best to reduce the impacts of these events on the industry."
