McKINLAY Shire mayor Belinda Murphy has paid tribute to all politicians in dealing with north west Queensland's flood crisis, but has singled out the efforts of Prime Minister Scott Morrison.
Speaking at the Rural Press Club in Brisbane, Cr Murphy said the federal response had been exceptional, with Mr Morrison not only raising hope throughout the devastated north west Queensland community but also delivering on his promises.
"By the time the prime minister had finished speaking in Julia Creek you could have heard a pin drop," Cr Murphy said.
I remember looking out and for the first time seeing hope in everyone's eyes.
- Belinda Murphy, McKinlay Shire
"I remember looking out and for the first time seeing hope in everyone's eyes.
"It may have been short term, it may have been fleeting just until they got home, but there was that virile feeling that you know what, we're actually going to get some help here.
"They've realised what has happened here and something going to be done."
The federal government's response to the unprecedented flooding, which devastated the north west in February, included $75,000 grants to bury dead cattle and co-contribution grants of up to $400,000 aimed at rebuilding farm businesses across the McKinlay, Richmond, Cloncurry and Winton shires, and parts of the Flinders shire.
Cr Murphy said Mr Morrison quickly understood the magnitude of the catastrophe. Best estimates put stock losses at more than 665,000 cattle and a damages bill close to $2 billion.
Perhaps more importantly he recognised the people needed their hope restored, she said.
"The number one priority for the devastated region was to bury the dead cattle. Not just for our health, but also for our mental health," she said.
"Number two was rebuilding the infrastructure, the fences, yards, and watering points. And number three, we needed to restock our paddocks and get our industry going again."
Cr Murphy said it was the sudden temperature drop and wind that resulted in the deaths of so many already drought affected cattle from exposure. After a month of plus-40 deg C temperatures the mercury plunged to just 12 deg C accompanied by cold wind.
Cr Murphy said Queensland's Agriculture Minister Mark Furner and his departmental staff led by Kevin Duff had also played critical roles.
"Department of Main Roads director general Neil Scales also rang every day," she said.
"If we couldn't answer the phone, the message was always the same: 'I'm checking in, not checking up. You know where I am if you need anything.
"I think these efforts need to be recognised."
