Floods across the state have proved to be a nightmare for farmers. Photo: NSW Government.
The NSW Labor Government is using a fleet of helicopters to provide isolated farmers with emergency fodder for cut-off livestock.
The program is one of many implemented for farmers affected by floods across the Mid-North Coast, North Coast and Hunter region.
By noon on 24 May, there had already been more than 40 helicopter drops of emergency fodder in addition to 131 drops through other delivery methods.
There have been 15 requests for veterinary support for at-risk livestock.
Multiple departments are working to provide livestock support to farmers, including the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) and the Local Land Services (LLS), which are joining forces as the Agricultural and Animal Services Functional Area (AASFA).
The AASFA is managing the agricultural and animal welfare hotline and a response team of about 80 people to provide emergency fodder, aerial support for stranded livestock, fodder drops and euthanasia (on welfare grounds).
In addition, the AASFA is helping to remove the carcasses of livestock killed in the deluge.
Through the emergency hotline, farmers and community members can report livestock carcasses and request their removal. This service operates on properties and for bodies that have been moved by floodwaters into community spaces.
“The AASFA team is ready to assist with emergency fodder, stranded animals and veterinary treatment plus the necessary work of carcass removal,” NSW Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty said.
“Farmers and the community can call the hotline and request assistance and the AASFA team will respond and service those in need.”
In a statement, the NSW Government emphasised the risk to human and animal health presented by dead livestock not properly disposed of.
