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Devastating floods gripping Far North Queensland taking its toll with up to 10 race clubs caught up in the event

The devastating flood event gripping the North Queensland has seen the Townsville Turf Club almost completely submerged under water.

The Townsville Turf Club almost under water entirely due to the flood event gripping the region.
The Townsville Turf Club almost under water entirely due to the flood event gripping the region.

The devastating floods gripping Far North Queensland is taking its toll on the racing community, with as many as 10 racetracks in the region hit hard by the freak event.

On Monday, pictures emerged of the Townsville Turf Club at Cluden Park almost completely submerged in water, with the severe weather showing no signs of abating.

But in a ray of positivity, Racing Queensland (RQ) chief executive Jason Scott said there was currently no loss of livestock in the region.

“Everything that’s happening is obviously very fluid but as of right now we haven’t been advised of any loss of horses,” Scott told Racenet.

“I spoke to Townsville Turf Club chairman Geoff Weeks this morning and as you can appreciate everyone’s focus is on the preservation of the animals and their homes.

“Getting information is difficult, which we completely understand. We are continuing to collate information but it looks like between eight to 10 clubs have been affected in some way.

“Our team is ready to get into the area and help where we can but at the moment access is difficult. We are hopeful that by the end of this week that might change and we can get in and assist.”

Racing Queensland boss Jason Scott.
Racing Queensland boss Jason Scott.

Given the magnitude of the flood event, Scott said the post recovery efforts in the region will be significant.

“The last major flooding incident in the region in 2019 produced issues with diseases from debris that we’ll need to be cognisant of,” Scott said.

“But at the moment our focus is on being ready to assist our participants from all three codes wherever possible during what is a very difficult time.”

On Monday it was revealed that residents were told to brace for further flood rises with water from another critical river to be released.

“Major flooding is expected on Monday morning, with further river level rises expected over the next few days,” a social media post from Townsville Disaster Information warned on Monday.

Forecasters are warning of a further 300mm of rainfall in the next 24 hours.

Originally published as Devastating floods gripping Far North Queensland taking its toll with up to 10 race clubs caught up in the event

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Original URL: https://www.themercury.com.au/sport/horse-racing/devastating-floods-gripping-far-north-queensland-taking-its-toll-with-up-to-10-race-clubs-caught-up-in-the-event/news-story/841b465ea1c0a161e3c75e4509f75f9f