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Rain is set to ease but there is no relief in sight for a flood-hit region that might take years to recover.
Flooding the size of NSW has impacted western Queensland, with water levels exceeding records set more than 50 years ago in some areas.
The remnants of ex-tropical cyclone Dianne brought more rain as the system moved east, prolonging and renewing some riverine flooding.
The wet weather is set to shift to northern and eastern Queensland on Thursday with rain easing across much of the state’s southern inland.
“Thankfully rainfall-wise in southwest Queensland, we are done — the rain is over,” the Bureau of Meteorology’s Dean Narramore said.
“But even though the rain has stopped the flooding will continue for many days, if not weeks, through southwest Queensland.”
Homes have been inundated, communities evacuated and fences destroyed across the region by the widespread flooding, triggering fears of significant livestock losses.
About 150,000 sheep, cattle and goats have been lost but the full extent won’t be known until water levels eventually ease.
“The impact (of) that for individuals will be massive, but also for the communities,” Queensland Premier David Crisafulli said of the livestock losses.
“Agriculture underpins these communities and they’re going to take a long way to get back on their feet.” He said.
“This recovery will take months and years.”
The premier said he was working with the federal government to assist communities with repairing fencing among the priorities.
Total fencing damage to date is estimated at about 3500km, with almost 5000km of private roads also impacted by flooding.
“We will be working with the federal government to explain how important it is that we develop packages to be able to get that exclusion fencing back up and running,” Mr Crisafulli said.
“If it’s not, we go back to the bad old days of wild dogs running, roaming free, of proud industries being at the mercy of Mother Nature.”
Assistance grants of up to $75,000 have been announced by the state government for affected primary producers.
Severe Weather Update: Major flooding continues in western Queensland as rain impacts south-east Queensland.
In NSW, the search for an elderly man lost in floodwaters has been suspended.
The Sydney man believed to be aged in his 70s was swept away when he tried to drive across a flooded causeway 100km west of Taree late on March 29.
“Police were told an SUV towing a caravan had been swept into floodwaters,” a NSW Police statement said.
The vehicle was located the next day but the man remained missing when the extensive search was suspended late on Wednesday.
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