More than one million kilograms of fodder has made its way to flood-affected farms in the Northern Rivers to help impacted primary producers feed their livestock.
Deputy Premier Paul Toole said the Agricultural and Animal Services Functional Area hotline (1800 814 647) has received more than 800 calls from farmers requesting emergency fodder, aerial surveillance, and veterinary assistance for flood-affected livestock in less than a week.
“Many farmers hit by these record floods have not only lost their homes, but also their livelihoods – and we’re throwing every resource at helping them get back on their feet as quickly as possible,” Mr Toole said.
“Primary producers across the Northern Rivers face a long road to recovery, and this fodder – currently being sourced from the NSW Northern Tablelands and North West regions – will make a real difference on the ground right now.
“Already, more than one million kilograms of fodder has touched down in places like Lismore, Casino, and Grafton, including about 135,000 kilograms of that delivered by air to places with limited access.”
Minister for Agriculture Dugald Saunders said the NSW Government has also made $15,000 available immediately for impacted farmers through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
“The full extent of the damage from these floods is yet to be revealed, with communities still underwater and livestock and crop inspections still to be conducted,” Mr Saunders said.
“That’s why I urge landholders to register with the hotline so we know where support and assistance is required, without them risking their safety.”
Emergency fodder for flood-affected livestock is also available at the following North Coast sites:
- Casino – Primex site on Springrove Rd
- Alstonville – McGregor Gourlay, 28 Kays Lane
- Grafton – McGregor Gourlay, 42 Hyde St, South Grafton
- Grafton – Norco Rural, 19-21 Queen St
- Kyogle – Harley 7 Co Agricentre, 142 Summerland Way
As floodwaters recede and transport routes open up, additional emergency fodder distribution points will be established.
Farmers and community members are also urged to report stranded, lost, injured or deceased livestock to the hotline so these animals can be assessed, attended to, or removed.
The 1800 814 647 hotline is jointly run by the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) and Local Land Services (LLS) and continues to receive a large volume of calls. A dedicated email has also been created for the hotline with landholders now able to lodge requests by emailing aasfa@emergency.dpi.nsw.gov.au
