Landholders and communities in western NSW are being urged to prepare for extensive flooding and isolation throughout April and May as significant flows from Queensland continue to move down the river systems into NSW.
Major flooding is occurring on the Paroo River at Wanaaring, and moderate flooding on the Warrego River at Barringhun.
Flows from these river systems are expected to travel downstream with stock owners strongly encouraged to take the opportunity before flood waters peak to move stock to higher ground and ensure adequate fodder is on hand, if possible.
The Minns Government through the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) and Local Land Services (LLS) have activated the Agricultural and Animal Services Functional Area (AASFA), which will support NSW SES in assisting landholders with:
- Animal assessment and veterinary assistance
- Euthanasia of animals and welfare grounds
- Emergency fodder (for up to three days where there is an immediate animal welfare concern)
- Emergency stock water (where there is an immediate animal welfare concern)
- Livestock feeding and management advice
- Aerial support for livestock
LLS will continue to contact landholders in at-risk communities along the Paroo to encourage preparedness..
AASFA will continue to work closely with SES providing support for this flood event, and long-term impacts to landholders.
For updated warnings on the NSW flood event, go to www.ses.nsw.gov.au or download the Hazards Near Me App.
For urgent requests for stock assistance, including animal assessment, veterinary support or emergency fodder, call the AASFA emergency hotline at: 1800 814 647
Minister for Agriculture, Tara Moriarty said:
"With major flooding occurring and likely to last several weeks, I urge landholders and people in at-risk communities to act now. Move stock to higher ground, secure property, and have a plan in place.
"Staying informed during events like these is vital, monitor flood warnings, follow advice from authorities and reach out to emergency services if you need help.
"The NSW Government is committed to helping communities and our agricultural producers through this event, if you are in need of any stock assistance, veterinary support or emergency fodder, please call the AASFA emergency hotline on 1800 814 647."
