The NSW Government is deploying additional resources to assist farmers affected by severe flooding across the state, Primary Industries Minister Katrina Hodgkinson said today at Moree.
“Widespread flooding is affecting rural communities and farmers across a large area of the state, with those in the Central North and North West bearing the brunt of the severe flooding and inundation,” Ms Hodgkinson said.
“Yesterday, the NSW and federal governments triggered the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements, making available clean-up and recovery grants of up to $15,000 for eligible primary producers and small businesses in Moree, Narrabri and Gwydir areas.
“Areas in the central north and north west, including Moree, Wee Waa, Narrabri, Walgett, Brewarrina, Bourke and Louth are the immediate focus of our operations.
“Areas of Moree are dealing with their worst flood in more than 35 years and record river levels and inundation are predicted for the North West.”
Visiting flood recovery efforts at Moree, Ms Hodgkinson acknowledged the efforts of NSW DPI staff and the Livestock Health and Pest Authorities who are working around the clock to help farmers get back on their feet.
“A State Coordination Centre has been established at the NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI) headquarters at Orange to coordinate State-wide efforts and the local response is being coordinated by control centres at Tamworth and Dubbo,” Ms Hodgkinson said.
“To support flood recovery efforts and assist farmers, aircraft are operating out of the Moree, Narrabri and Brewarrina areas and NSW DPI has deployed a Rural Support Worker to work out of the Flood Recovery Centre at the Moree Town Hall.
“We will be providing aerial support to affected landholders and assisting with the relocation of stock, surveillance to check on stock welfare and fodder drops.”
Ms Hodgkinson said much of the Moree and Queensland water is now headed for the north west of the State, which is already under water from heavy localised flooding and a previous flood peak in January.
“The sheer volume of water moving through the river systems is likely to cause flooding not seen for some time and widespread damage to farming operations.
“Landholders in these areas are being urged to prepare for severe flooding by moving livestock and farm infrastructure to higher ground.
“We are committed to helping farmers through this tough time and expect our operations to continue over the months to come,” Ms Hodgkinson said.
Barwon MP Kevin Humphries urged locals to remain resilient under trying circumstances.
“With large parts of the central north and north west still under water, we don’t yet have a handle on the extent of the damage caused by the flooding.
“We do know it’s going to be extensive and a range of agriculture industries, including cropping and livestock industries have all been hit hard by the heavy rain, so I encourage farmers to report damage to the NSW DPI on 1800 814 647. This will help authorities determine damage and assess potential support measures.”
Farmers in need of assistance should call the SES hotline on 132 500.
Farmers and small businesses should contact the Rural Assistance Authority on 1800 678 593 or visit their website for further information on Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA) and other assistance measures.
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