It has been described as the 1 in 500 year flood. Whilst our business remained high and dry we were gutted to see so many friends whose businesses and homes where destroyed. Gin Gin alone had approximately 100 homes that were inundated. Of our farming friends we have seen the sugar and citrus industry suffer badly not only around Bundaberg but also the salt of the earth communities of Gayndah and Mundubbera.There are countless stories, but two that we would like to mention to show the human impact are Abbotsleigh citrus and Bugs for Bugs.
Abbotsleigh citrus had not only a considerable portion of their citrus under water and their newly established blueberry plantationbut also houses and sheds that were swamped. This takes months of initial clean up and years to recover fully. They have established a website that enables everyone to help Queensland farmers directly www.helpqldfarmers.com.au or www.facebook.com./HelpQldFarmers and they would appreciate a visit.
Bugs for Bugs is a wonderful business that enables farmers to utilise the natural pest management strategy of introducing good bugs into their system and eliminating the need for reliance of sprays. The pioneer entomologist Dan Papacek has many breeding insect vans at Mundubbera but woke up to find them floating down the Burnett in a flood height completely unexpected. We are hoping that Dan can recover and build up the wonderful service that he has been able to deliver the citrus industry as well as many individual enthusiasts who like to introduce the bugs in their own backyard. Please visit his website www.bugsforbugs.com.au or https://www.facebook.com/BugsForBugs
