- CSIRO study finds refuge mounds have the potential to save thousands of cattle during floods.
- $2 million On-Farm Resilience study focused on flood refuge mounds used in major floods in past 5 years.
- Reducing breeding stock deaths critical to beef industry recovery.
A CSIRO study, commissioned by the Crisafulli Government and funded by the Albanese 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 Australian 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 also 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. 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 Australian Government's North Queensland Recovery and Resilience Package provides $91.8 million in funding to help northern Queensland communities recover from the 2019 Monsoon Trough and the 2023 Monsoon Trough and the 2023 monsoon and flooding events, as well as prepare for future floods.
Further support to recover from severe weather events are being provided by Industry Recovery and Resilience Officers jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments through Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said measures like flood refuge mounds were crucial to minimizing the risk of disasters and severe weather events on graziers and their stock.
"Building resilience before disaster strikes is one of the most effective ways to minimise losses and reduce impact," Minister McBain said.
"We know that our primary producers in regional areas are disproportionately affected by severe weather events and the crucial role they play in putting food on every Australian's table.
"By understanding what works in flood-prone regions, and through this research, we can help producers make informed decisions that strengthen the sustainability of their operations."
Queensland Minister for Primary Industries Tony Perrett said the study had 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," Minister Perrett said.
"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."
