Queensland Country Hour
Friday, January 9, 2009
Possible cyclone in Gulf
Flooding continues in just about all the major river systems in the Gulf and North West Queensland. and while most people are more than happy to see the rain, there's now talk of more on the way with forecasts that a low in the Gulf may develop into a cyclone by Sunday.
The 'disorganised' low is currently just offshore from the Northern Territory/Queensland border in the south-west Gulf, but is expected to drift south-east and possibly hit cyclone-status by Sunday, and in combination with the monsoon trough off the East coast will cause heavy rain on the North tropical coast.
King tides in the Gulf are expected to be made even higher by the effects of the low.
In this report: Geoff Doueal, senior forecaster, Bureau of Meteorology, Brisbane.
Listen: Audio (mp3 format)
Boulia in flood
Western and gulf townships are dealing with big floods a result of the past weeks rain and more overnight.
It's an amazing sight at the moment out around Boulia and Urandangie where floodwaters have made inland seas, but today the sun is out again for almost the first time since New Year!
Our Mt Isa rural reporter Karyn Wilson was no sooner back from her Christmas holidays in snowy Canada, when she found herself heading out by plane to the outback town of Boulia early this morning.
She says the peak in the Burke River near Boulia is expected this afternoon, but most locals are calm.
Trevor Jones , ex-mayor, local publican and owner of Wirrilyerna Station near Boulia agrees that most people have had sufficient warning to prepare themselves, and the flooding is the best thing to happen to the district for many years.
In this report: Karyn Wilson, ABC rural reporter, Boulia; Trevor Jones, Wirrilyerna Station, Boulia.
Listen: Audio (mp3 format)
Government committed to reef regulation
The state government has hit back at cricitism from the canegrowing sector that its playing politics over the issue of agricultural runoff onto the Great Barrier Reef.
The Canegrowers Organisation says a report released by the Australian Institute of Marine Science is being unfairly used by the Bligh government to criticise farmers for their practices.
In yesterday's Country Hour, CEO of Canegrowers Ian Ballantyne said a report showing coral growth is being stunted by global warming should not be used to argue for increased regulation on farm.
But Acting Minister for Climate Change, Andrew Fraser disagrees and says the government won't be backing down on its path to regulation.
In this report: Andrew Fraser, acting minister for Climate Change.
Listen: Audio (mp3 format)
Economy lowers Magic Millions average
The Magic Millions horse sale continues today on the Gold Coast.
Well known New South Wales trainer Gai Waterhouse doubled last years top price by paying two million dollars for a full brother to the popular horse Racing to Win.
But while the top price is up, the average is down around 15 per cent on last year and some vendors are finding it tough.
Magic Millions managing director David Chester says with the world financial situation it could have been worse.
He says international purchases are down on last year but they are still in attendance.
In this report: David Chester, Magic Millions managing director.
Listen: Audio (mp3 format)
Beef in 2009
Queensland´s beef industry produces nearly half of Australia´s beef and employs more than 20,000 people directly and supports more than 8,000 jobs in the meat processing industry.
We produce both grass and grain fed cattle in Queensland, so a good season meant a solid year for grass-fed producers but high grain prices and a high Australian dollar made for one of the toughest years ever experienced by our feedlots.
To check on forecasts for cattle prices, demand for beef, prospects for feedlots and grass-fed producers click on the audio icon below.
In this report: Peter Weekes, chief market analyst, Meat and Livestock Australia; Jim Cudmore, president Australian Lotfeeders Associatoin; Grant Maudsley, acting president of Agforce Cattle.
Listen: Audio (mp3 format)
Drovers series - final part
Today we air our final episode of our drovers series.
The series was put together from archival material held by the Naional Library.
Today we meet another of the unsung heroes of the bush Anne Brunner.
click on the audio icon to hear our final Drovers series.
Listen: Audio (mp3 format)
Economy lowers Magic Millions average
The Magic Millions horse sale continues today on the Gold Coast.
Well known New South Wales trainer Gai Waterhouse doubled last years top price by paying two million dollars for a full brother to the popular horse Racing to Win.
But while the top price is up, the average is down around 15 per cent on last year and some vendors are finding it tough.
Magic Millions managing director David Chester says with the world financial situation it could have been worse.
He says international purchases are down on last year but they are still in attendance.
In this report: David Chester, Magic Millions managing director.
