After weeks of relentless rain, outback communities in south-west Queensland are finally seeing a reprieve as the heavy downpours are expected to ease.
"The rain is over. There might be a few light showers, but the Channel Country will remain dry," meteorologist Dean Narramore said.
However, the aftermath of the flooding will persist for weeks, with rivers still swollen and floodwaters slowly receding.
Unlike coastal flood events, outback floodwaters take time to drain away, leaving communities anxiously waiting to assess the full extent of the damage.
Many rivers remain at major flood levels, and some have exceeded record heights from 1974.
The Bulloo River at Thargomindah, for example, is believed to have reached 7.6 metres—beyond the town’s measuring gauge—forcing locals to estimate water levels. The Bureau of Meteorology recorded on Thursday, April 3 the river has started to fall measuring 7.45 metres.
The Queensland Department of Primary Industries in its most recent estimates believes that 146,298 livestock have been lost or remain unaccounted for, with cattle making up half of that number and the remainder being sheep and goats.
Yet, in times of crisis, regional Australians have once again proven that resilience and community spirit shine brightest.
APlus News has highlighted a handful of uplifting stories that has show regional community strength at its best:
To support flood-affected communities, a team of passionate agricultural advocates have organised the Rising Together for Rural Queensland Charity Ball. The event, set for April 26, 2025, at Brisbane City Hall will raise funds for Farm Angels, ensuring continued support for those impacted by the floods.
Tickets for the ball will be available from Thursday, April 3, at 7 PM.
Police and emergency services successfully rescued a man and his horse from floodwaters at Tambo on April 2.
A 31-year-old Blackall man was travelling to Toowoomba for urgent surgery on his injured horse. The man encountered flash flooding on the Landsborough Highway, 3 km west of Tambo.
Unable to see the submerged road, his vehicle and horse float were swept off the roadway.
The SES deployed a boat to safely rescue both the man and horse without injury. Vid: Queensland Police.
The driver managed to climb onto the roof of his 4WD until emergency services arrived. SES deployed a boat to safely rescue both the man and his horse without injury.
Longreach District Disaster Coordinator Inspector Chris Smith urged drivers to remain vigilant.
“When it is dark, it is often difficult to see that a road could potentially be hazardous," Mr Smith said.
"No matter how shallow it may look, it’s not worth risking your life or the lives of emergency services who rescue you.”
A heart-warming reunion took place when two working dogs, swept away by floodwaters were finally found. Local Queensland photographer, Anne-Maree Lloyd shared the emotional moment when her husband was able to locate their beloved dogs after conditions became dry enough for their light aircraft to take off from a remote airstrip.
Rural Aid in partnership with the Queensland Government, is delivering emergency hay to livestock stranded by floodwaters. So far, 450 bales have been transported, with helicopters mobilised to reach the most isolated properties.
The Department of Primary Industries has also secured 1,000 bales of fodder under a $5 million Emergency Fodder Support Package. However, caution is being urged regarding fodder sourced from areas affected by Red Imported Fire Ants, as inadvertently introducing them to Western Queensland could have devastating consequences.
Recognising the immense challenges ahead, the government has introduced disaster recovery grants to aid farmers, small businesses, and local councils in rebuilding.
Leader of The Nationals David Littleproud welcomed the relief funding for his electorate of Maranoa, where flood levels have reached their highest since 2019. The newly announced grants include:
Up to $75,000 for primary producers
Up to $25,000 for small businesses and not-for-profit organisations
A $12 million community relief fund for councils in Barcoo, Boulia, Bulloo, Diamantina, Longreach, Murweh, Paroo, Quilpie, and Winton
“Our local mayors have led the communities through this traumatic time and ensured families, businesses, and producers can get some support,” Mr Littleproud said.
He also acknowledged Queensland Premier David Crisafulli’s efforts in addressing the unique needs of Western Queensland.
“There is still a long way to go, and this is just the start of what will be an enormous recovery, but I welcome this funding and 100 per cent back this crucial announcement.”