Thousands of cattle could be saved during deluges by using flood refuge mounds, a CSIRO study commissioned by the Queensland government has found.

The $2 million On-Farm Resilience Study, funded by the federal government, analysed data from three major floods in the past five years where the earth mounds were used to provide higher ground for livestock and critical farm infrastructure.

The study is now progressing to a trial phase, with the Queensland Department of Primary Industries working with local governments and graziers in northwest Queensland to build refuge mounds.

Reducing breeder deaths is critical to beef cattle herd recovery and long-term profitability. The study found a 10% mortality and loss of breeders could add one to three years to the economic and productive recovery of a grazing enterprise.

Federal Emergency Management Minister Kristy McBain says measures such as flood refuge mounds are crucial to minimising the risk to graziers and their stock.

“We know that our primary producers in regional areas are disproportionately affected by severe weather events and the crucial role they play in putting food on every Australian’s table,” she said.