Sugar cane growers north and south of Townsville are waiting for water to start to subside to get an idea of if their crops will survive from substantial flooding.

Third and fourth generation growers say they have never seen floodwater so widespread and as deep across their farms.

If the submerged cane stays underwater much longer it may be permanently spoiled, but, as the water is draining away it is damaging machinery, roads and irrigation systems.

Rural reporter Eddie Summerfield caught up with Canegrowers Association Chairman Paul Schembri.

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