Recovery from record drought under way for farming communities in south-west Queensland

Widespread rain and flooding have put drought-affected communities in south-west Queensland on the path to recovery.

Graziers are beginning to rebuild herds, the soil is moist and ready for winter cropping and irrigators are harvesting floodwaters for next summer.

Broader regional economies are also beginning to bounce back from the toll taken by drought.

On Alanah Ladbrook’s cattle property near Roma, 480 kilometres north-west of Brisbane, she’s enjoying hearing significant rain hitting the roof.