Australia: Gulf stock feed going up in smoke as multiple fires burn in the north

Published Oct 24, 2024

Tridge summary

Bushfires in north west Queensland are severely impacting local communities, with significant challenges for producers and fire brigades, including stock losses and operational disruptions at the Century zinc mine. The fires, intensified by dry storms and machinery incidents, are affecting areas like Mount Isa, Cloncurry, and the Gulf. Efforts to contain the fires include back-burning and helicopter surveillance, but early rain and grass growth have worsened the situation. Burke Shire mayor Ernie Camp highlighted threats to homesteads and damage to roadworking equipment, criticizing distant decision-making and advocating for early burning practices. Despite no current fire bans, caution is urged, as the Century mine, vital for zinc production, suffered damage to surface infrastructure. Calls for proactive state support are growing as landholders face multiple disasters.

Disclaimer:The above summary was generated by Tridge's proprietary AI model for informational purposes.

Original content

Stock feed from the good wet season in the Gulf is going up in smoke, with producers and fire brigades battling a number of bushfires in north west Queensland. All articles from our website & app The digital version of This Week's Paper Breaking news alerts direct to your inbox All articles from the other agricultural news sites in your area There are reports of some stock losses, and property managers are ordering in loads of hay and lick to feed cattle on their burnt ground. Operations at the Century zinc mine near Lawn Hill (Boodjamulla) National Park have been significantly disrupted, according to Sibanye-Stillwater CEO Neal Froneman. This latest challenge to the region comes on top of severe flooding in March, the result of cyclone activity. Dry storms have been blamed for a lot of the fires, along with machinery striking stones in the paddock. One of the bushfires burning in Queensland's Gulf country, on Herbertvale Station north of Camooweal. Picture: Clint Hawkins ...

Source: Queenslandcountrylife