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January 20, 2011
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national....

VICTORIA'S flood disaster will cost the state hundreds of millions of dollars, delivering a second crippling blow to the country's economy in weeks, after rampant floodwaters devastated the state's farming sector and rural infrastructure.

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"This is without doubt the most significant flood in Victoria in the north and the northwest regions since the records began, something in the order of 130 years ago," Mr Ryan said.

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The Victorian Farmers Federation backed the damage estimates, saying there had been devastating loss of grain and horticultural crops and significant livestock losses.

"Some of the greatest impact has been on grains, with some crops wiped out completely," said VFF deputy president Peter Tuohey. This would cost affected farmers "tens of millions of dollars" as the grains would be downgraded in quality and price.

"This year was supposed to be the best year ever after so many years of drought and now it's turned out to be a real gut-wrenching year," he said. "It will devastate a lot of farmers."

Mr Tuohey said Victoria provided a third of the country's grains and about a third of the nation's stonefruit. There would be additional pressure on Victoria to provide more fruit and vegetables, given the damage sustained to crops in Queensland- and the state's floods did not help.

"There will certainly be a lack of supply," he said.

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The Premier, who has already warned that the floods will deliver a "significant whack" to the state's economy, said last night the floods had caused enormous damage to roads, bridges, hospitals, utilities and mobile phone towers...

Last modified: 2011-01-19 13:12:53 by lplate
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