The National Farmers Federation (NFF) is closely monitoring the unfolding situation as Cyclone Alfred threatens agricultural communities across southern Queensland and northern New South Wales. With destructive winds and heavy rainfall predicted, the storm's potential to cause significant damage to crops, infrastructure, and rural communities is of major concern for the farming sector.
Cyclone Alfred, which looks set to make landfall in the next 48 hours, is expected to bring severe weather conditions including destructive winds, storm surges, and heavy rain that could lead to widespread flooding. The combination of these elements poses a serious threat to the agricultural industry, with potential damage to both crops and farming infrastructure. Crops are at risk of being flooded, while the intense winds could cause significant harm to both plants and farm structures, including fencing and irrigation systems.
In response to the impending crisis, the NFF has been actively liaising with its members in impacted regions. NFF member organisations will take the lead role in coordinating with state and local governments to ensure that the response is both timely and well-organised; with NFF working to ensure that Australian Government resources support the sector.
The NFF is a participating in meetings of the National Coordination Mechanism (NCM). The NCM is part of the Australian Government Crisis Management Framework (AGCMF), which facilitates the collaboration of government and non-government organisations during times of national emergencies. This coordination ensures that resources are allocated efficiently and that the right information is shared between agencies involved in the disaster response.
"Cyclone Alfred poses a serious threat to the agricultural community, and we are deeply concerned about the potential impact it may have on our farmers and rural families," NFF Chief Executive Troy Willliams said.
Mr Williams said NFF is committed to working with its members to support the farm sector and impacted communities with the focus on ensuring that necessary response mechanisms are in place to mitigate the damage.
As the cyclone continues to develop, the NFF urges all farmers in affected areas to take necessary precautions to safeguard their lives, property, and livestock.
Official information sources
Queensland
Queensland Disaster Management website: https://www.disaster.qld.gov.au
Get Ready Queensland website: https://www.qld.gov.au/emergency/dealing-disasters/disaster-types/flood/flood-prepare/take-steps-to-get-ready
Local Government disaster dashboards: https://www.qld.gov.au/community/disasters-emergencies/disasters/resources-translations/local-government-disaster-dashboards
Department of Primary Industries: http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au
New South Wales
NSW State Emergency Service (SES) website: https://www.ses.nsw.gov.au
Hazards Near Me NSW smartphone app: Apple/Android App Store
Local council websites and social media pages
NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI): https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au
National Resources
Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) warnings: http://www.bom.gov.au/australia/warnings/index.shtml
ABC Emergency broadcasters (local radio): (Check local ABC radio listings)
Remember to monitor social media accounts of emergency services (SES, Police, Fire Services) and local news outlets in both states. For life-threatening emergencies, call 000, and for SES assistance, call 132 500 in both Queensland and New South Wales.
