Joint media release with the Hon Tony Perrett MP
A CSIRO study, funded by the Albanese Government and commissioned by the Queensland Government, has found flood refuge mounds (FRMs) help livestock find safety during major floods, potentially saving thousands of cattle and protecting producers’ livelihood.
The $2 million On-Farm Resilience Study’s report, funded through the Albanese Government North Queensland Recovery and Resilience Package, provides data and results from flood refuge mounds that were used during three major floods in the past five years.
The study is progressing to a trial phase, with the Queensland Department of Primary Industries working with local governments and graziers in North West Queensland to build FRMs for further trialling.
The FRMs are raised earthen structures that provide higher ground for livestock and critical farm infrastructure during floods.
The study found that circular FRMs are preferable to rectangular FRMs because they generate lower localised floodwater velocities and therefore lower erosion risk.
However, where rectangular mounds are the only option, the direction and placement of the mounds becomes more critical for effective results.
In addition, the report recommends that it is important to get vegetation cover growing on the mound as quickly as possible to maintain the structure’s integrity and prevent erosion.
The report also makes recommendations about the placement of multiple mounds and the space between each mound to ensure maximum effectiveness in saving livestock.
Reducing breeder deaths is critical to beef cattle herd recovery and long-term profitability.
The study found that a 10% mortality and loss of breeders can add one to three years to the economic and productive recovery of the grazing enterprise.
Greater losses can increase recovery time to 5 years. If FRMs can reduce the mortality rate and minimise the loss of breeders, a producer’s recovery time can be dramatically reduced.
Queensland primary producers interested in constructing flood refuge mounds can access guidance from the Department of Primary Industries on design, construction and management considerations.
The Albanese Government’s North Queensland Recovery and Resilience Package provided $91.8 million in funding to help northern Queensland communities recover from the 2019 Monsoon Trough and the 2023 monsoon and flooding events, as well as prepare for future floods.
Further support to recover from severe weather events is being provided by Industry Recovery and Resilience Officers jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments through Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain:
“Flood refuge mounds are a great practical example of the benefits of reducing risk and building resilience before disaster strikes, which is something our government is focused on.
“I saw firsthand their effectiveness during the devastating floods that hit North West Queensland earlier this year and this study provides further evidence of their value to primary producers.
“The Albanese Government’s North Queensland Recovery and Resilience Package is another example of our commitment to supporting Queenslanders to recover from natural disasters.
“We will always step forward to support Queenslanders in their time of need.”
Quotes attributable to Queensland Minister for Primary Industries Tony Perrett:
“This study has provided valuable information for producers looking to adapt to increasing weather risks.
“Queensland producers know better than anyone the devastating impact flooding can have on livestock, businesses and communities.
“This study has identified practical and effective options that can help producers better prepare for future flood events and protect valuable livestock.
“Flood-refuge mounds are one example of how resilience-focused infrastructure can make a real difference on the ground.”
