Surviving Cyclone Jasper: A Story of Loss and Hope
Not exactly the nicest way to get front page media for our farm! We recently faced a devastating blow when Cyclone Jasper hit in December 2023. Sadly, the mighty Barron River claimed everything—the farm, sheds, house, fishponds, and everything that floats or swims has gone downstream. It was a harrowing experience, and in the midst of the chaos, I evacuated to a neighbour’s place for safety.
The media coverage highlighting our challenges might bring some much-needed attention to the severe need and impact within our local area. Many people are still affected, and the recovery process is daunting. Apart from the house, tanks, farm equipment, machinery, and other aquaculture infrastructure, we estimate that we also lost 50,000 Barramundi and 70,000 redclaw. The financial and emotional toll of this loss is immense, but we are determined to rebuild no matter what!
This experience has underscored the importance of resilience and community support. The outpouring of assistance from friends, neighbours, churches and even strangers has been incredibly heartening. It has reminded us that even in the darkest times, there is light in the form of human kindness and solidarity.
As we move forward, our focus is on rebuilding and improving our sustainable aquaculture farm. We aim to create a more resilient and sustainable operation that can withstand future challenges. The lessons learned from Cyclone Jasper will guide us in making smarter, more robust choices for our infrastructure and farming practices.
We are incredibly grateful for the support we’ve received so far and continue to need as we navigate this difficult journey. If you wish to follow our progress or lend a helping hand, please visit our Facebook page for updates. Your engagement and support are invaluable as we work towards recovery and renewal.
Together, we will overcome this setback and emerge stronger, more resilient, and more connected to our community and environment. Thank you for standing with us. See: Cairns Post media…