Current situation

NSW DPI works with Local Land Services (LLS) and other agencies/organisations to support the NSW State Emergency Service (SES) by coordinating animal welfare relief services for livestock, wildlife and companion animals and assisting affected primary producers.

Emergency flood response

DPI and LLS are providing assistance to landholders and communities with animal welfare-related issues resulting from the floods, including:

• Animal assessment and veterinary assistance
• Stock euthanasia and burial
• Emergency fodder (up to three days supply)
• Emergency stock water (where there is an immediate animal welfare concern)
• Livestock feeding and management advice
• Care of animals in evacuation centres

Animal Disposal

Following a natural disaster, AASFA assists with animal assessments, stock euthanasia and disposal.

For current animal disposal advice, please see the following resources.

• Animal carcass disposal
• Key messages – Animal disposal (Local Land Services)

Landholders should register for assistance with the Agriculture and Animal Services hotline on 1800 814 647 if they need assistance with carcass disposal.

Recreational fishing in flood affected areas

Recreational fishers are reminded to take extra care when fishing in areas which have been affected by recent flooding, with debris and water quality presenting ongoing risks.

• Fishers should not consume shellfish such as oysters from affected areas or where water was murky or discoloured
  Finfish should be well cleaned (gills and gut removed), washed in clean water and thoroughly cooked.
• Collection of pipis for human consumption is always prohibited in NSW and collection of cockles is also not recommended.
• Oysters and mussels should always be kept cold and covered, and always cooked thoroughly.
• Cooking or boiling will not destroy or remove toxins which might be present from poor quality waters and eating contaminated seafood can cause serious or life-threatening illness.
• Waiting several days after water has cleared and the muddy look has gone will reduce the risk of viral or bacterial contamination.

NSW DPI, the NSW Food Authority and other agencies are continuing to monitor water quality and flood impacts in all the affected areas.

Recovery

After an emergency, primary producers and the community can implement a range of actions and access services and assistance to aid recovery.

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.

Local government areas in NSW declared Natural Disasters are eligible for assistance under Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA). Additional assistance measures for primary producers are available for eligible areas. To apply for a concessional loan or freight subsidy, contact the NSW Rural Assistance Authority on 1800 678 593.

Information on local recovery activities or advice on pastures, livestock, cropping and environment recovery can be sought from your Local Land Services on 1300 795 299.

Key contacts