Floods cause long-lasting damage, says grazier
THE effects of this year's floods will be felt for a long time to come, says Valley-based grazier Geoff Brown.
Mr Brown owns a series of farms throughout the Clarence Valley.
He said pastures had been damaged on his land near Junction Hill but pointed to erosion on his property on the Orara River as having a lingering effect, with once-fertile land washed away, leaving just white sand.
For Mr Brown the flood had a two-fold effect: it increased his immediate operating costs because stock had to be transported to higher ground, and it reduced the number of head he could run on his property.
Mr Brown said he would have to replace fencing and repair creek crossings that were washed away.
"Category C funding grants would be a tremendous help," he said. "Flood damage costs are extra costs you have to pay on top of your normal operating costs."
