Bushfire Hub
In a bush fire emergency, NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) works with Local Land Services (LLS) to support the NSW Rural Fire Service to:
- Assist primary producers, animal holding establishments and the community to be prepared for bushfires
- Coordinate rescue, evacuation and emergency care for animals
- Coordinate assessment, humane destruction and disposal of affected animals
- Support recovery arrangements including providing impact damage assessments and contributing to recovery centres and committees
Being prepared is a key to minimising the impacts of fire on your property, your family and your animals.
In an emergency, call 000
Recovery and assistance
Report fire damage to the online natural disaster damage survey
Primary producers should report flood-related damage including stock and fodder losses, damage to crops, pastures, fencing and other farm infrastructure through the Natural Disaster Damage Survey. This will ensure we understand the severity and regional distribution of the damage and can target resources and assistance in the appropriate areas
Financial assistance
Natural disaster assistance is available to help communities and individuals directly affected by flood, fire, storm damage or any other declared natural disaster. To support relief and recovery following a declared natural disaster a range of measures are made available by the NSW Government.
The Rural Assistance Authority (RAA) provides a range of financial assistance and support during a natural disaster, including the following grants and loans.
Natural Disaster Assistance Available
Click this interactive map to access all available financial assistance within your LGA.
Call the Rural Assistance Authority: 1800 678 593
See an overview of assistance: printable A4 or printable pamphlet
Federal Government assistance
A range of financial assistance and support for communities during emergencies and natural disasters is available from the Office of Emergency Management and Department of Human Services.
Recovery advice
The impact of fires, floods and other natural disasters can affect primary producers beyond their own resilience levels, requiring assistance to recover personally and financially.
NSW DPI and LLS coordinate and provide recovery assistance and advice to landholders, primary producers, commercial fishers and other industries impacted by a natural disaster event.
A quick guide to natural disaster recovery assistance for primary producers is available, providing high level information on recovery for affected landholders. Technical information and guidance on recovery management decisions can be found below.
Following a bushfire, there could be dangers to people and animals from contamination. Visit Managing contaminant risks after a fire for more information.
The potential for soil erosion after a bushfire can be severe due to the destruction of ground cover and the litter layer. Learn more about Soil erosion and sediment control in fire affected plantations.
For advice on on animal, pastures and cropping advice or local recovery activities contact Local Land Services.
Health and wellbeing
Rural Resilience Program
Rural Resilience Program staff provide information on support available for farmers and their families or workers recovering from natural disasters and can connect them with relevant support services and assistance packages.
Rural Recovery Team:
Phone: 0437497555
Email: rural.recovery@dpi.nsw.gov.au
Mental health toolkit for the fires
The Australian National University has developed a free Community Trauma Toolkit containing resources to help support adults and children before, during and after bushfires.
Contacts
- Mental Health Line: 1800 011 511
- Beyondblue: 1300 224 636
- Mensline: 1300 789 978
- Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800
In an emergency, call 000
An extensive list of health and wellbeing support and contacts during a natural disaster is available on DroughtHub.
