Flood impact to be felt ‘long after waters recede’: Kimberley Pilbara Cattlemen’s Association

The Kimberley Pilbara Cattlemen’s Association says it is lobbying “all levels of government” to ensure a long-term focus on recovery efforts after the worst flooding in WA’s history. Major roads were destroyed and communities isolated as the “once in 100-year floods” swept through the Kimberley, with the KPCA expecting tens of thousands of cattle to have been killed. Clean-up efforts have now started and KPCA chief executive Mick Sheehy said the effects of the devastating weather system caused by ex-tropical cyclone Ellie would be felt “long after the waters recede”. “The impact to future production losses, the financial burden on livestock businesses, rebuilding infrastructure, road access and the emotional and mental health of producers are just some of the challenges the industry will face for many years to come,” he said. “The KPCA is taking a staged approach to providing support and connectivity to producers, as well as facilitating conversations with all levels of government to ensure that there is a clear commitment on what the next 12 months look like, so that we have a plan to help guide the industry to recovery.” The weather system was centred near Halls Creek on Tuesday, January 3, and moved slowly west throughout the week — dumping hundreds of millimetres of rain and causing major flooding from Fitzroy Crossing to Broome. Mr Sheehy said the KPCA had been working with livestock producers, emergency response teams and authorities to support and coordinate a response and provide emergency relief. He said the initial response was focused on ensuring life and property were safe and “protected as best as possible”. “We are now moving into the second phase which is focusing on animal welfare, fodder drops, moving cattle where possible and getting food, fuel and emergency supplies out to stations,” Mr Sheehy said. “The third phase will be focused on recovery and that will be the biggest and the longest.” While the waters of the Fitzroy River have started to withdraw, pastoralists are bracing for more rain to come. Mr Sheehy said remote stations were still experiencing worsening conditions as flood waters moved downriver. With the Fitzroy River Bridge partially collapsed, large sections of major roads closed or impassable and connecting and internal roads washed away or inaccessible, he said the “number one priority” was devising a plan to restore access. Many station operators are unable to travel around their own properties, with internal roads, gates, fencing and stock yards all underwater according to the KPCA. KPCA chairman and Yeeda Station manager Jak Andrews said travel via helicopter was currently the only means of trying to save livestock. “With waterfronts of up to 40km across, fast-flowing current and the risk of crocodiles, helicopters are our only choice,” he said. “Cattle can float for short periods of time, but this is not sustainable for days on end. We can try to encourage cattle in the right direction as they battle the flowing waters and will touch down and move on foot where it’s safe, but the conditions are extremely difficult.” Mr Andrews said every effort was being made to save as many cattle as possible but stock loss was inevitable. “It’s devastating for people in the industry. People will be hurting,” he said. As part of normal wet season preparations, pastoralists move herds to higher ground and keep livestock feed in greater supply. However, the unprecedented nature of the floods have made it impossible to keep all livestock and station infrastructure safe. As well as helping provide access to stock feed and aviation fuel, the KPCA — the peak body for northern WA cattle producers — has been working to connect pastoralists to immediate services, grants and other support. But Mr Sheehy said the long-term recovery strategy would “realistically run into the months and possibly years”. “We must begin planning for a long, tough road to recovery,” he said. “It is important our communities and industries are not forgotten once the water recedes.” Lifeline: 13 11 14 Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 Rurallink: 1800 552 002