Gascoyne Floods Devastate WA Pastoralists

0:00It's March 31st, from your city to your ears. This is Sydney News Today, powered by AI, I'm Cory with the story. Pastoralists in Western Australia's Gas Coin region are reeling from massive floods triggered by ex-tropical cyclone Narelle. The storm dumped over 300mm of rain in spots, turning vast landscapes into one giant waterway. Cattle losses are expected, but no one knows the full count until the water pulls back. After years of bone-dry conditions, this deluge hit like a freight train. One station clocked 328mm in just 11 hours, more than they'd seen since August 2022. Rivers in the Gas Coin and Lions catchments are still elevated, but starting to ease, with flood warnings dropping in Carnarven. Owners like Jim Dorrell and Mia Mia station call it devastating short-term, despite long-term perks for the land. Up to 400 head of cattle could be affected, plus wrecked fences, buildings, windmills,

1:00and roads washed out. Damage at places like Hillsbrings is running into hundreds of thousands of dollars, the worst hit in over three decades. Helicopter runs by family and emergency crews brought some relief, confirming losses but not the scale. The Pastoralists and Grazier's Association is pushing hard for state aid, especially after last month's cyclomitial piled on the pain. Grazier Roger Cook visited Carnarven this week, confirming access to federal and state recovery funds once assessments wrap up. As the water spade, these tough producers gear up to count costs, repair, and let the grass grow back strong.