Farmers on the lower Macleay floodplain are being encouraged to make plans for their livestock in the event of a major flood, following a recent NSW DPI survey.

The detailed survey completed by 615 landowners on the 1-in-100 year floodplain found many stockowners, particularly new small-acre farmers, were underprepared for a significant flood event.

“Results show that many of those surveyed did not know they were on the 1-in-100 year flood plain and more than a third had no flood response plan,” said NSW DPI regional director John Williams.

“Thirty per cent of properties indicated they required access to a flood refuge for their livestock,” he said.

NSW DPI was granted funding under the Natural Disaster Mitigation Program for the project to look at response plans for landholders on the Macleay floodplain.

Collaborative partners in the project were the Kempsey Shire Council, the Kempsey Rural Lands Protection Board, NSW Farmers and the Kempsey SES.

Mr Williams said increasing development on the Macleay floodplain had introduced to the area new farmers who were not experienced in flood conditions on the Macleay.

At the same time, this development has limited the options for local stock evacuation to high ground in the event of flood.

“There is still, however, a network of paddocks managed by the Kempsey Rural Lands Protection Board that can be used as flood refuges – and stockowners should identify their nearest refuge if they need to evacuate stock.”

In response to the survey findings, a number of open meetings are to be held for Macleay floodplain residents in coming months to explain how, when and where to evacuate livestock.

“Floodsafe leaflets published by Kempsey SES and Kempsey Shire Council are excellent starting points for floodplain residents. They are available online at www.mhl.nsw.gov.au or through the SES, Council or DPI offices.

“You need to be able to identify whether you are able to keep your stock on your property in times of flood – or move them to higher ground or onto a flood mound.

“And considering that evacuation routes are lost relatively early in the development of severe floods, it is important to have a clear plan of action when the warning is given over local radio.”

Contact Kempsey Shire Council, (02) 6566 3200, Kempsey SES, (02) 6562 2228, or NSW DPI, Kempsey office (02) 6562 6244.