Current situation

Mid North Coast and Hunter Region Floods

Current situation

Support is available for Hunter and Mid North Coast communities following major flooding in May 2025.

Report storm or flood damage via 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 that we understand the severity and regional distribution of the damage and can target resources and assistance in the appropriate areas.

Financial assistance available to flood affected landholders

A list of all current natural disaster declarations and LGAs that are eligible for disaster assistance can be found on the Rural Assistance Authority website. www.raa.nsw.gov.au

Local government areas in NSW declared Natural Disasters are eligible for assistance under the 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.

Applications for storm and flood recovery grants are now open. Visit the NSW Rural Assistance Authority for information.

A summary of other assistance available to flood-affected residents and businesses is available from Service NSW https://www.nsw.gov.au/emergency/floods/recover/flood-recovery-updates/grants-payments-and-financial-support

A summary of other assistance available to flood-affected residents and businesses is available from Service NSW.

Agriculture and Animal Services Hotline

For urgent animal welfare assistance, landholders can call the Agriculture and Animal Services Functional Area (AASFA) Hotline on 1800 814 647. This includes help with injured or stranded livestock, carcass disposal, and emergency fodder.

The hotline operates from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, 7 days a week.

Fodder

Emergency fodder may be supplied immediately following a disaster when an animal welfare issue may arise. Where possible, landholders should make every effort to source and deliver fodder themselves - if it safe to do so.

Where stock is isolated and facing an animal welfare issue, due to floods or public road infrastructure failure, Agricultural and Animal Services (AASFA) may coordinate the delivery of landholder’s fodder to stock - if it is safe to do so.

Landholders should source and purchase fodder themselves, except in exceptional circumstances where fodder may be supplied by AASFA to allow time for the landholder time to source alternative arrangements i.e. agistment, sale, and purchasing of fodder. Each request for fodder is assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Emergency fodder may only be provided where there is an immediate animal welfare need. We also take your personal circumstances and other factors into account.

Please contact the Agriculture and Animal Services Hotline 1800 814 647 to discuss your circumstances and make a request.

Deceased Animal Disposal

AASFA is working with landholders, councils, contractors, and other agencies to ensure deceased livestock's safe and respectful disposal. Floodwaters have displaced animals, and some carcasses have appeared in community areas, posing health risks and distress. Landholders can request carcass disposal through the AASFA Hotline 1800 814 647, and community members can report deceased animals found off-property.

Displaced Livestock

The floods have displaced a lot of livestock across the flood zones.

If possible, and safe to do so, try and obtain any identifying information such as ear tags, brands, ear marks and/or NLIS tag numbers before reporting.  A photo may also help to describe the stray stock.

Displaced stock found on your property can be reported via the Agriculture and Animal Services Hotline on 1800 814 647.

Recovery

After an emergency, primary producers and the community can implement a range of actions, and access services and assistance to aid recovery. The Local Land Services Flood Recovery Hub provides a wide range of resources such as livestock health after floods, managing feed and fodder risks and pasture recovery after floods.

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

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

Local Land Services helps landholders prepare for, respond to, and recover from biosecurity emergencies and natural disasters.

Local Land Services District Veterinarians are available for emergency animal welfare support. Please contact your private vet for non-emergencies.

Recovery centres and Recovery Assistance Centres are open at various locations around the region.

Details on Recovery Centre extensions, Recovery Centres and Recovery Assistance Points in other key locations, and mobile recovery outreach will be announced soon.

For information about locations and opening hours visit the NSW Reconstruction Authority.

Key contacts