Australia Experiences Varied Weather Impacts: North-West Queensland Grapples with Flooding, Other Regions Receive Drought Relief

Across Australia, recent weather patterns have brought a range of impacts, from severe flooding and extensive livestock losses in north-west Queensland to significant drought-breaking rainfall in parts of New South Wales and varied conditions in Victoria. While some areas are contending with saturated lands and agricultural challenges, others have received much-needed moisture, offering relief to farmers after prolonged dry spells.

North-West Queensland: Flooding and Livestock Losses

North-west Queensland has experienced widespread flooding, leading to substantial livestock losses. As of Wednesday evening, the Department of Primary Industries reported 29,240 head of livestock as dead or missing. Industry analysts have projected this figure could rise to 50,000, with some local estimates suggesting losses closer to 100,000 head.

Cremona Station:
Grazier Emily Stevens, located 70 kilometers north of Julia Creek, reported approximately 1,500 deceased cattle on her property. The station received 742 millimeters of rain between December 18 and January 7, surpassing its typical annual rainfall by 100 millimeters.

Eighty percent of Cremona Station is reported as submerged or inaccessible, and surviving livestock face risks of illness and exhaustion due to prolonged exposure to muddy conditions.

Caiwarra Station:
Grazier Jaye Hall, 45 kilometers north-west of Julia Creek, is managing cattle affected by "black soil bacteria," a skin condition caused by extended exposure to mud and water. Large flooded channels persist across her 45,000-hectare property, with calves and some adult cattle confirmed lost. Some producers in the region are projected to have lost up to 50 percent of their stock.

Richmond and Julia Creek:
Grazier Angus Propsting, operating near Richmond, observed cattle perishing from starvation and lack of water, despite being surrounded by floodwaters. This is attributed to their unwillingness to drink available water or traverse submerged areas to access feed, a situation noted during the 2019 floods. Grazier Guy Keats, on flatter black soil plains around Julia Creek, reported substantial calf losses due to prolonged standing in floodwaters.

This current event follows a 2019 flood that resulted in the loss of over 600,000 cattle across outback Queensland. While the current flooding is noted to be less extensive than the 2019 event, livestock deaths are ongoing, and the full economic impact on producers is under assessment.

Assessing the total impact is expected to take up to five months due to factors such as damaged fences and livestock displacement. Recovery operations, including attempts to guide cattle to fodder and water, have faced challenges due to deep, muddy ground conditions and some animals being unresponsive to typical herding methods.

The Bureau of Meteorology has indicated a moderate chance of a tropical low forming in the Coral Sea, with potential to develop into a cyclone and bring further rainfall to the Gulf of Carpentaria region. Graziers, including Cody Rogers and Guy Keats, have expressed concerns about additional rain on already saturated catchments. The wet season is still in its early stages. Motorists have been advised to exercise caution due to cattle displaced by floodwaters appearing on outback highways.

Varied Rainfall Across Other Queensland Regions

In contrast to the north-west, other parts of Queensland have received rainfall that has provided relief to farmers following dry conditions.

• Mount Abundance (near Roma): Cattle producers James and Nat Stinson reported receiving up to 50 millimeters of rain from Friday to Monday. Their property had experienced limited substantial rainfall since December, leading to livestock sales and supplementary feeding. The property recorded 370mm of rain in 2025, below its annual average of 520mm. The recent rain has allowed for bare paddocks to be rested and winter oats to be planted, though an additional 100mm is indicated for a full seasonal recovery.
• Thargomindah: Sheep and cattle producers Anthony and Gerda Glasson experienced a significant storm event, receiving between 115mm and 144mm within a three-hour period. This followed record flooding in early 2025 and subsequent rapid drying. The rainfall has alleviated immediate pressure, though other areas in the region remain dry.

• Taroom: 207mm
• Mitchell and Injune areas: Over 60mm
• Surat: 36mm
• St George: 31mm
• Dirranbandi: 11mm

Victoria Experiences Heavy Rain and Mixed Impacts

Victoria has also experienced heavy rain and thunderstorms, leading to both disruptions and varied agricultural outcomes.

The Bureau of Meteorology reported 126 millimeters in Horsham between Friday and Sunday mornings, and Mildura recorded its wettest March day with 65.8mm. A severe weather warning remains in effect for Mallee, Northern Country, Wimmera, and parts of Central, South West, North Central, and North East Victoria, with an additional 25 to 60mm forecast for the Mallee and Wimmera regions.

• Power Outages: A restaurant in Dimboola experienced a complete power failure during dinner service, affecting kitchen equipment.
• Event Flooding: The 150km Feast culinary event in Horsham was impacted by flooding, with its venue flooding twice over a weekend, requiring the evacuation of approximately 110 guests.

• Citrus growers north of Mildura noted benefits such as reduced irrigation requirements and the washing down of saline soil.
• Widespread rain was considered beneficial for dryland farmers in the Mallee and Wimmera regions, providing needed moisture for crop growth.
• Livestock producers in north-east Victoria, such as Stuart Pendergast, reported 65 millimeters of rain over four days, describing it as a positive development after three years of difficult conditions.
• Grain grower Russell Heard in the southern Wimmera near Horsham reported 67 millimeters of rain, which he described as unexpected and beneficial for the upcoming 2026 crop.

• Concerns were raised regarding a potential increase in fruit fly activity due to ensuing humid conditions for citrus.
• For dried fruit growers near Mildura, where 150 millimeters of rain fell, grapes are being monitored for rot, as excessive moisture can cause them to split.
• The almond harvest in the Sunraysia and Riverland regions has been halted, with harvesting expected to resume once excess water dissipates.
• Late-season peach crops in northern Victoria, particularly around Cobram, may be affected by brown rot, potentially leading to a 20-30 percent crop loss.
• Increased summer weed activity requiring spraying could also be a consequence for grain growers.

However, for most growers in the Goulburn Valley and northern Victoria, the rain is welcomed as it may reduce the need to purchase expensive temporary market water.

New South Wales Receives Drought-Breaking Rainfall

Farmers in drought-affected southern and central New South Wales have received significant rainfall for the first time in six months, following a tropical low-pressure system. Nearly half of the state is currently experiencing drought conditions.

• Moulamein: 110 millimeters (mm)
• North-west of Booligal: 26mm to 85mm
• Junee: 42mm
• Near Urana: 31mm
• Killimicat Station at Brungle: 46mm
• Between Temora and Young: 74mm
• Bribbaree: Over 145mm
• Condobolin: Over 21mm
• West Wyalong: 28mm
• Forbes: 34mm
• Bathurst: Over 44mm
• Cowra: 100mm
• Between Cowra and Canowindra: 97mm

• China Gibson, a Moulamein farmer, noted the boost to pasture growth for his sheep.
• Grazier Peter Morphett stated that rain exceeding 50mm would initiate germination and promote winter growth for clovers and freshen perennial bushes.
• Harry Lucas, from Killimicat Station, observed water returning to a creek that had been dry for over three months.
• Linda Yerbury, a mixed farmer between Temora and Young, expressed optimism for planting crops this year.
• Brett Treasure in Cowra anticipates moving his sheep from feedlots to paddocks and plans to sow oats, barley, and grazing brassica soon.