Flooding rains to boost Qld economy | Ipswich Business | Business News for Ipswich, Australia

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FLOODING rains across Queensland's southern inland are expected to deliver a $1 billion economic boost.

But Primary Industries Minister Tim Mulherin says there will be a cost in terms of lost livestock and damaged crops and irrigation equipment.

Mr Mulherin on Friday held a phone hook-up with AgForce, the Queensland Farmers Federation and senior departmental staff to discuss flood assistance for primary producers.

"The rain could result in an injection of $1 billion into Queensland's regional economy, however in the meantime a lot of people are impacted by the immediate problem of flooding," he said.

"We are expecting a lot of infrastructure damage and there will be stock losses."

The government has made available concessional loans to flooded areas, as well as freight subsidies and deferral of payments on existing loans.

Aerial inspections involving two helicopters will be undertaken in the coming days.

"They'll be flying over the worst-affected areas and assessing infrastructure damage and possible stock losses," the minister said.

AgForce president John Cotter said many rural properties had been damaged and livestock losses were hard to estimate.

"Farmers have experienced extensive infrastructure losses as the floods leave damaged fences, roads, dams and buildings in their wake," he said.

But he said families were focusing on the long-term benefits of the rain.

"Our members are telling us that the full dams and grass that will grow in areas which may not have seen decent rain for 10 years is worth the short-term inconvenience and expense," he said.

Picking of about 16,000 hectares of cotton is due to start in the next few weeks.

Cotton Australia chief executive Adam Kay said assessments of the flood impact in the St George, Dirranbandi and Theodore areas were under way.

Read about the big wet across Queensland ...

Thousands left homeless by Qld floods

SES crews help flood-ravaged towns

Rivers rage as big wet continues

Floodwaters surge down river

Dawson flood threatens Theodore

Weather puts clean-up on hold

Records fall as rain continues

Weekend showers continue

View Queensland weather warnings from the Bureau of Meteorology.

To keep up to date with the latest road closures across Queensland, visit www.131940.qld.gov.au.