Lyn and Rob French, Gilberton Station, Einasleigh, are celebrating one of the best starts to the north’s traditional wet season in years.
The couple run the 35,612 hectare (88,000 acre) Gilberton, 124km south west of Einasleigh, and Gilberton Outback Retreat, on the banks of the Gilbert River, and recorded 304mm (12 inches) of rain since 1 January.
“It has been lovely rain,” Mrs French said.
“Over half of our dams are full or sitting in the bywash, something we haven’t seen for many years.
“The rain has been pretty general over most of the place.”
Mrs French said drought conditions had forced them to destock half their herd 18 month ago, with the new year rain a good start for the 2017 season.
“We hope there is lot more to come, having so many years of not much rain and the water table at an all time low,” Mrs French said.
“I hope others around are also having a good start to the season.
“I’d say another month of liquid gold would be perfect if we could order that.”
Mrs French estimates the last “big” run in the Gilbert River was 2011.
Gulf Cattleman’s Association president Barry Hughes said properties around the region had recorded up to 203mm (eight inches) of rain during the first week of January.
“It’s good to see the Gilbert River getting a good flush out,” Mr Hughes said.
