MidCoast Council is asking for patience and understanding from the community as authorities work to dispose of the vast numbers of dead livestock left behind by last week's flood.
Mayor Claire Pontin said while the flood had been devastating for so many in the community, the impact on primary producers had been nothing short of catastrophic.
"A lot of people have lost their homes, others have lost their businesses, and many of our farmers have lost everything," Mayor Pontin said.
"Not only have these farmers lost their primary source of income through loss of livestock, many have lost hectares of riverfront grazing land as well and the oyster farmers have lost everything."
Given the widespread nature of the flooding, the number of livestock that have been killed is estimated to be in the thousands and these animals have been dispersed across a huge geographical area, with dead cows washing up as far south as Seal Rocks.
Council is responsible for removing dead livestock from public spaces and reserves, including local beaches. The Agriculture and Animal Services Functional Area assists with the removal of dead livestock from private properties. All livestock killed in last week's flooding are being disposed of at the Gloucester Landfill.
But given the extent of the issue, Mayor Pontin said getting to all the animals in a timely fashion was proving a challenge. Many have washed up on our beaches and will continue to do so with each tide. Machinery can be used on the beaches, but carcasses on rock shelves are more difficult to remove.
"Staff are working hard to get to the dead livestock, but the reality is there are so many out there that we can't get to them all at once," she said.
"Obviously this is going to have impacts as they start to decompose. Flies and smell are going to become an issue, but unfortunately that is something we're going to have to get through as we recover from this flood."
Mayor Pointin asked people to remain sensitive to the loss and devastation that has occurred and to continue to band together as a community.
She also encouraged anyone who comes across a dead animal in a public area to report it to Council immediately by lodging a report and request at www.midcoast.nsw.gov.au/report or calling Customer Service on 7955 7777.
