Barron River Redclaw makes remarkable recovery after Jasper devastation

After the catastrophic flood last year left his barramundi and redclaw farm devastated, Rodney Ingersoll, through sheer grit and determination, is now preparing to harvest once again in the new year.

One year after the devastating floods that wreaked havoc across the region, Barron River Redclaw announced a remarkable recovery, with 70 per cent of the farm’s damage repaired and a renewed vision for sustainable aquaculture. Photo: Supplied

After the catastrophic flood last year left his barramundi and redclaw farm devastated, Rodney Ingersoll, through sheer grit and determination, is now preparing to harvest once again in the new year.

One year after Tropical Cyclone Jasper, Mr Ingersoll said Barron River Redclaw had made a remarkable recovery, with 70 per cent of the farm’s damage repaired and a renewed vision for sustainable aquaculture.

When the Barron River broke its banks the farm was completely inundated by raging floodwaters, washing away over 50,000 barramundi and 70,000 redclaw.

Owner Rodney Ingersoll with a redclaw. Photo: Supplied

The floodwaters not only washed away his fish and redclaw stock but also drowned his living quarters, tools and machinery, equipment, fishponds, training and resources centre, cold rooms, storage facilities, farm pets, and personal items, leaving the business operations in shambles.

Mr Ingersoll also slept in a tent during he recovery after his living quarters were inundated.

Mr Ingersoll said after losing the stock to the river the business pivoted all farming operations to redclaw crayfish.

Over 70,000 barramundi and 50,000 red claw were lost in the floodwaters of the Barron River. Photo: Supplied

“Despite having zero income from agriculture over the past 12 months, I’ve pushed on and focused on teaching others how to grow their own food sustainably, whether through aquaculture, aquaponics, or permaculture,” he said.

“This is about building resilience, not just for myself but for others facing similar challenges.

“I stand firm through challenges, follow my heart, and remain committed to creating a sustainable path forward for agriculture and food security.”

Rob Ingersoll cleaning up the farm in the wake of the flood. Picture: Nuno Avendano

The recovery process has included repairing critical infrastructure, restocking the ponds with quality redclaw, and reinventing business operations with greater climate resilience.

The first harvest of sustainably farmed redclaw is set to begin soon, marking a significant

milestone in the farm’s recovery journey.

The floodwaters not only took away his stock but also drowned his living quarters, tools and machinery, equipment, fishponds, training and resources centre, cold rooms, storage facilities, farm pets, and personal items, leaving the business operations in shambles. Photo: Supplied

The product promises to bring high quality, environmentally responsible Australian redclaw to markets, reinforcing the farm’s reputation as a leader in sustainable aquaculture.

“Our recovery is not just about rebuilding what we lost; it’s about creating a stronger, more

sustainable future,” Mr Ingersoll said.

“Sometimes you need to slow down to speed up.

“This has been one of the toughest challenges of my life, but with the support of my family,

the community, and our partners, Barron River Redclaw is stronger than ever.”

Originally published as Barron River Redclaw makes remarkable recovery after Jasper devastation