Farmers and landholders across the State are being urged to plan ahead and report any flood damage to their properties, with severe weather conditions predicted to surge over the next week.
Minister for Agriculture and Western NSW Dugald Saunders said it is critical that landholders are prepared for the wet conditions and encouraged them to report damage using the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) disaster damage survey.
“The wet weather period we are experiencing continues to be a real challenge at a critical time for our $21 billion primary industries sector in NSW,” Minister Saunders said.
“That’s why it is important for landholders across the State to report any flood damage to their properties, including land, infrastructure and animals.
“The survey feedback helps the NSW Government and communities understand the scale and regional distribution of the impact of a disaster on agriculture and better target resources and assistance.”
With the forecast for further rainfall and increased flooding over the coming days, livestock producers are reminded that the NSW Government Agriculture and Animal Services Functional Area (AASFA) hotline, 1800 814 647, provides immediate assistance for affected farmers, landowners and communities in isolated areas.
“The AASFA hotline provides urgent support in the form of emergency fodder drops, aerial surveillance of your property and veterinary assistance for flood-affected animals and livestock,” Mr Saunders said.
“Since the heavy rain began last week, we have already assisted three farmers in Western NSW with emergency fodder drops because their livestock was stranded. We expect this number to increase in the coming days.
“I urge landholders needing help with animals to call the hotline so we send immediate help without any risk to their own safety.”
NSW Farmers President Xavier Martin emphasised how important it was to report natural disaster damage so government assistance could be delivered where it was needed.
“Whether it’s flooding at Warren or hail damage at Mangrove Mountain, we need to report the situation to emergency services and NSW DPI to help get support moving as quickly as possible,” Mr Martin said.
“Emergency services, local land services and DPI have been very responsive to the needs of farmers and rural communities during the wild weather this year, it’s just unfortunate they’ve had so much practice.
“Ultimately we want to see people get through these situations safely and repair and rebuild as quickly as possible, so we can keep growing healthy food for people.”
To keep up to date with the latest flood information, visit www.nsw.gov.au/floods and to submit an online natural disaster damage survey, click here.
If you’re a beekeeper and have hives in an area described by the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) as under a current flood warning, you can move the affected hives to higher ground under the Varroa Mite Emergency Group Permit. For more information, visit the Varroa mite FAQ page.
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