According to the October Month in Review publication from property valuers, Herron Todd White (HTW), the cut in official interest rates marks the first in the ensuing cycle.

Last month, HTW mentioned that operating cost profiles were threatening the profitability of the enterprises in the lighter breeding forest country.

“While interest is not an operating expense, the cost of capital certainly affects a business’ ability to expand and for business people to develop their enterprise,” the report said.

HTW said another blessing for the northern grazing industry is the softening in the Australian dollar against the US dollar.

It said this is of benefit to export-based industries and that the northern cattle industry is certainly looking for benefit as the product becomes price competitive on the global market.

“This is attractive to the ‘top line’ of our northern grazing enterprises,” HTW said.

*Full story in this week’s North Queensland Register, out Thursday.