Landholders impacted by devasting flooding in the Moree region are being urged to register for support including emergency fodder, animal assessment and welfare assistance.
NSW DPI and Local Land Services work together to manage the effects of emergencies on agriculture, livestock and our community as Agriculture and Animal Services Functional Area (AASFA).
This includes the current flood emergency in with the provision of Emergency fodder, Animal assessment and veterinary assistance, Stock euthanasia and disposal, Livestock feeding and management advice, and care of animals in evacuation centres.
With flood waters expected to rise today, landholders and community members are urged to move their livestock to higher ground and consider evacuating animals where safe to do so.
If you wish to register for assistance, for emergency fodder or livestock support please call the Agriculture and Animal Services Hotline on 1800 814 647.
North West Incident Controller Robert McKinnon said there has been huge impacts on the local area.
"Unfortunately, major flooding and the ongoing heavy rainfall has had widespread impacts across the region, particularly in Moree, and we will sadly see the loss of livestock," said Robert.
"Our team is working with local landholders and industry groups to assess the needs of local producers, and get emergency fodder supplies on the ground where possible.
"As the emergency is still unfolding and many areas are cut off due to floodwaters or damage to the road infrastructure, it is proving difficult to access many producers, but we are doing everything we can to get assistance to them."
Animal safe places are currently open – but please check local conditions and road closures before evacuating to these areas.
Moree Saleyards is open to take large livestock (horses and cattle) for landholders that have had to evacuate or are pre-emptively evacuating. Landholders are required to supervise their own livestock at the saleyard and provide feed and water.
We understand the cumulative impacts of these floods will be far reaching, especially coming on the back of many years of drought.
"The producers around here are made of incredibly tough stuff, but the impacts of these floods will be unfortunately long lasting, and our team is here to support you through the clean up and recovery," said Robert.
"We know many producers are still trying to locate livestock and even family pets, and urge them to keep our team informed of missing animals and losses so we can assist in the recovery process."
Landholders can also register damage and losses through the primary industries natural disaster damage survey, which is a simple online survey can use to record damage to primary production and animals from natural disasters such as floods, fires, and storms.
The damage survey allows you to, record the number of crops, animals, infrastructure, and other primary industries damaged in a single event, add photos to the assessment and see the severity of damage in your area.
To report damage, submit a survey.
Assistance is available for producers through the Rural Assistance Authority, please visit the RAA website.
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