Jan to Dec 2025 Australian potato performance overview
Australian onions: From pantry staple to flavour obsessions
Pledge for More Veg: Backing growers by driving demand
VegNET VIC: ChemCERT upskilling for CALD workers
VegNET NT: Key takeaways from the 2026 Thailand Vegetable Industry Study Tour
VegNET WBB: Post-flood recovery in the Wide Bay Burnett
VEGNET QUEENSLAND
Wide Bay Burnett
REGIONAL UPDATE
Following intense rainfall and rising river systems across the Wide Bay Burnett, many growers have faced inundated paddocks, infrastructure damage and production delays. While some welcomed the rain, others have quickly shifted focus to recovery.
As the Burnett River and surrounding catchments rose, low lying production areas were hit the hardest, with floodwaters moving through vegetable blocks, orchards and farm infrastructure. Impacts have ranged from crop losses and waterlogged soils to erosion and damaged irrigation systems.
As waters receded, growers began assessing damage and planning next steps. Flooding can cause crop loss, increase disease risk due to waterlogging, and leave behind sediment and debris that require clean up before operations can resume. In vegetable systems, these disruptions can significantly affect planting schedules and supply commitments.
Across Bundaberg and surrounding areas, growers have been determining which crops may recover, where replanting is needed, and checking critical infrastructure such as pumps, irrigation and access roads for damage.
Soil health remains a key focus. While flood sediments can add nutrients, they may also introduce contaminants, pests and weed seeds. Many growers are allowing paddocks to dry before re-entering and using soil testing to guide recovery decisions.
For surviving crops, close monitoring is essential, as water-stressed plants are more vulnerable to disease, particularly under humid conditions. At the same time, growers are carefully managing biosecurity and food safety risks, especially where floodwater may have contacted edible produce.
Support networks have played an important role throughout recovery. VegNET has been assisting growers on farm and attending the Bundaberg and Gayndah disaster recovery drop-in centres, helping connect producers with information, services and support. Industry groups and extension staff continue to provide practical guidance on recovery, soil health, and risk management.
Despite the challenges, the region’s growers have shown strong resilience, with many beginning clean up and planning within days of floodwaters receding.
While flooding remains a part of farming in the Wide Bay Burnett, events like this highlight the importance of preparedness, strong support networks and industry collaboration. The resilience of local growers ensures the region will continue to play a vital role in supplying fresh produce across Australia.