The NSW Government is expanding its assistance measures to support farmers and landholders affected by fires on the North Coast and Northern Tablelands regions, Agriculture Minister Adam Marshall announced today.
Mr Marshall is urging landholders to act early and contact the Agriculture and Animal Services Hotline on 1800 814 647 to access a range of support in this difficult time.
“It’s heartbreaking to see our farmers, who are already suffering through drought, to now have to deal with these terrible fires decimating their land, stock and fences,” Mr Marshall said.
“In response, we’re establishing fodder distribution points and dramatically increasing the number of boots on the ground to help.
“Fences and infrastructure can be rebuilt, but lives cannot, so I urge everyone in fire affected areas to have a plan and act as soon as possible.”
In the Coffs Harbour region, emergency fodder distribution points are operating at Grafton, Kempsey and Macksville, and in the Northern Tablelands, services are available at Glen Innes and Walcha.
Additional fodder points will be established across the State over the coming days.
NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) and Local Land Services officers are assisting landholders in northern NSW to manage animal welfare-related issues and provide assistance to farmers, which includes:
- Free emergency fodder and stock water;
- Animal assessment and veterinary assistance;
- Stock euthanasia and burial;
- Livestock feeding and management advice; and
- Care of animals in evacuation centres
Mr Marshall said a huge number of requests were being made for support with livestock welfare.
“We are experiencing a high demand for support, and we’re expecting that to increase as more people are able to access their properties as they are deemed safe to re-enter,” he said.
“We’ve already had up to 1800 animals in care at more than 20 livestock evacuation centres across the state and more than 170 staff are now engaged in the effort.”
Stay up to date on bush fires in your area through the RFS website and the ‘Fires Near Me’ app.
