Counting the costs to primary industry



Tuesday 22 February 2011

Counting the costs to primary industry

 

Queensland's primary industries sector will suffer up to $1.7 billion in lost production following the recent devastating natural disasters.

Minister for Primary Industries, Fisheries and Rural and Regional Queensland Tim Mulherin said the combined effects of unseasonal rainfall before summer, December-January flooding and Cyclones Anthony and Yasi have impacted every primary industries sector in Queensland.

"The combined effects of these natural disaster has seen losses to cotton, grains, sugarcane and tropical fruit, in particular bananas in an area stretching from north of Cairns to the New South Wales border," Mr Mulherin said.

"Since mid-December I have visited around 24 communities that have been affected by flooding and cyclones," Mr Mulherin said.

"I have seen the damage first-hand and spoken to growers, producers and industry on the ground about the extent of losses to crops and the assistance required for recovery.

"Cotton crops and grain sectors in parts of Central, South and South-West Queensland have sustained heavy losses due to flooding estimated at $125 - $250 million in flood damage.

"The grain sectors on the Darling Downs and South West Queensland also suffered heavy losses, in the range of $125 - $250 million.

"The dairy industry on the Darling Downs experienced supply chain issues resulting in around $15 -$25 million in losses."

Minister Mulherin said cane, banana and tropical fruit growing areas of the North Queensland coast and Tablelands suffered the full force of Cyclone Yasi.

"Sugarcane losses due to Cyclone Yasi are estimated at around $200-$300 million," he said.

"Close to 100 percent of the banana crop on the coast between Innisfail and Cardwell has been affected, with estimated losses between $100-$200 million.

Other horticultural losses including papaya, lychees, avocadoes and other tropical fruits are estimated at $275-$400 million. It is estimated that some tree crops will take up to seven years to fully recover.

Fisheries and aquaculture industries weren't spared either with an estimated $25 million bill to cover gear and equipment losses, impacts on fish habitat and damage to aquaculture farms.

"Everyone can play a part in helping our primary industries sector get back on its feet by buying local produce," Mr Mulherin said.