Force Of Destruction: Rebuilding After The Floods

Herbert River growers are picking up the pieces after the torrential rain event that devastated the district earlier this month. With over a metre of rain in just three days, floods and landslides buried paddocks, washed away topsoil, and left many wondering how they’ll recover.

Among those hit hardest was Ingham grower Victor Cervellin, who watched helplessly as his newly planted cane block was swallowed by a landslide.

“I live on the opposite side of the creek to where this happened, but I could see the colour of the water getting really dark and dirty,” Victor said.

“As soon as I could, I drove over and saw the landslide above my property, with a waterfall washing through the paddock. A lot of it’s now been buried.”

**CANEGROWERS fighting for growers’ recovery**
With many growers impacted, CANEGROWERS has been working hard to ensure disaster recovery grants provide meaningful support.

Thanks to strong advocacy, growers can now claim replanting costs under the grants – an essential win for those who lost plant cane. But the fight isn’t over.

“We’ve also been calling for the assistance cap to be lifted to $75,000, in line with Cyclone Jasper relief,” CANEGROWERS CEO Dan Galligan said.

“Recovery isn’t just about cleaning up – it’s about getting crops back in the ground so farmers can rebuild.”

CANEGROWERS Herbert River Chairman Chris Bosworth estimates at least 10% of the region’s cane yield has been lost, with impacts rippling across the district.

“Our floods generally come in March or April, so no one was expecting this,” Chris said.

“Most cane farmers have been impacted to some extent. It will be a long recovery.”

CANEGROWERS is also pushing for broader eligibility so all affected growers, including those with off-farm income, can access assistance.

**Economic and mental health concerns**
Beyond the immediate damage, the economic fallout is significant. Power outages hit businesses hard, with no prior warning to allow for preparation.

“If we had six to ten hours’ notice, we could have organised generators,” Chris said. “Instead, businesses lost millions.”

The mental health toll is another growing concern. Years of challenges – from poor seasons to rat plagues – are wearing growers down.

“People in the wet end of town had six feet of water around them, no food, no electricity, and poor communication,” Chris said. “It was scary.”

CANEGROWERS will continue working with the government to cut red tape and deliver real relief.
As the waters recede, the organisation remains committed to ensuring Herbert River growers get the support they need to rebuild and recover.

Contributed with thanks to Frank Scardamaglia Manager CANEGROWERS Herbert River