The severe weather that has been affecting the Mid North-Coast region of New South Wales has claimed four lives, with the state’s government urging farmers and residents to take proactive measures to protect their livestock and property. The government has set up an emergency agricultural support hotline, which is available to farmers who require urgent assistance with their stock. The hotline, which is part of the Agricultural and Animal Services Functional Area, provides a range of support services, including animal assessment, veterinary support, and emergency fodder.
- Support in animal assessment
- Veterinary support
- Euthanasia of animals on welfare grounds
- Livestock feeding and management advice
- Aerial support for isolated or stranded stock
- Emergency fodder
- Emergency stock water
These services are available to farmers who are experiencing difficulties with their stock due to the severe weather conditions. The government is urging farmers to take proactive measures to protect their livestock and property, but only where it is safe to do so. Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty stated, “Our agencies have activated the Agricultural and Animal Services Functional Area to support landholders and regional communities affected by flooding in the Hunter and up the coast.” She emphasized that the government understands the importance of supporting farmers during times of natural disasters.
| Location | Wauchope Showground |
| Location | Wingham Showground |
| Location | Kempsey Showground |
The government has also opened travelling stock routes for farmers to move their livestock when needed. Additionally, AASFA can assist with displaced stock if required. Animal safe places are being activated to support people with large pets and lifestyle animals such as horses at Wauchope, Wingham, and Kempsey Showgrounds. “We know our state’s farmers are resilient in the face of natural disasters, be it droughts, bushfires, cyclones or a flood, but we genuinely understand our responsibility to support them in the face of an extreme weather event like this, because our state relies on them,” said Minister Moriarty. The government is urging farmers and families to continue preparations for flood impacts, but only where safe to do so.
Agricultural and Animal Services Functional Area (AASFA)
The AASFA is a specialized service that provides support to farmers and landholders in need of agricultural and animal-related assistance. The service is designed to provide a range of support services, including:
- Animal assessment and veterinary support
- Euthanasia of animals on welfare grounds
- Livestock feeding and management advice
- Aerial support for isolated or stranded stock
- Emergency fodder and emergency stock water
The AASFA is available to farmers and landholders who require urgent assistance with their stock. The service is staffed by experts in animal welfare and agriculture, and is designed to provide a range of support services to help farmers and landholders manage their livestock and property.
Travelling Stock Routes
The travelling stock routes have been opened for farmers to move their livestock when needed. The routes are designed to provide a safe and efficient way for farmers to move their stock, and are staffed by trained personnel who can assist with the movement of livestock.
| Route | Location |
| Route 1 | From Kempsey to Wauchope |
| Route 2 | From Wingham to Kempsey |
The travelling stock routes are an essential part of the government’s response to the flood, and are designed to provide a safe and efficient way for farmers to move their livestock.
Animal Safe Places
The animal safe places are being activated to support people with large pets and lifestyle animals such as horses at Wauchope, Wingham, and Kempsey Showgrounds. These safe places provide a safe and secure environment for animals, and are staffed by trained personnel who can assist with animal care and welfare.
“It’s not just about the farmers, it’s about the animals too,” said Minister Moriarty. “We know that animals are an important part of our community, and we want to make sure they are safe and secure during times of natural disasters.”
The government is urging farmers and families to continue preparations for flood impacts, but only where safe to do so.
Preparations for Flood Impacts
The government is urging farmers and families to continue preparations for flood impacts, but only where safe to do so. This includes:
- Monitoring weather forecasts
- Preparing emergency kits
- Protecting property and livestock
- Evacuating if necessary
The government is working closely with farmers and landholders to ensure that everyone is prepared for the flood impacts, and is providing a range of support services to help them prepare and respond to the disaster.
Conclusion
The floodwaters have claimed four lives in the Mid North-Coast region of New South Wales, and the government is working hard to support farmers and residents in the affected areas. The government has set up an emergency agricultural support hotline, and has opened travelling stock routes and animal safe places to support farmers and their livestock. The government is urging farmers and families to continue preparations for flood impacts, but only where safe to do so.
About the Author
