Thursday, 14 November 2019
NORTHERN Tablelands MP and Minister for Agriculture Adam Marshall has today announced an emergency fodder drop is now operational at Glen Innes Showground, supplying feed for livestock on bushfire effected properties free of charge.
Mr Marshall said getting fodder to those who desperately needed it was a priority for him and local staff from the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) and Northern Tablelands Local Lands Services, following the weekend’s fires.
“With some farmers now going on six days since the initial fire swept through their properties I am keenly aware how important it is to get feed on the ground urgently to help,” Mr Marshall said.
“From this afternoon, farmers who have contacted the NSW Agricultural and Animal Services Hotline are able to pick up their allocation of hay from NSW DPI and Local Lands Services (LLS) staff at Glen Innes Showground.
“Staff have been working around the clock to secure hay from southern NSW and interstate and two fully-laden b-doubles arrived at the Glen Innes Showground this morning.
“I urge fire-affected farmers who haven’t already contacted the 1800 814 647 hotline to get in touch so we can help them as soon as possible.
Mr Marshall said that with weather conditions expected to deteriorate over the weekend, everyone needed to remain vigilant.
“Thankfully today the Gulf Road fire at Torrington, which is impacting the Emmaville and Stannum communities, the Wandsworth fire between Guyra and Tingha and the Whan’s Road fire at Llangothlin have all been downgraded to Advice level,” he said.
“However, there is potential that these fires could flare up again tomorrow as weather conditions change.”
To access emergency fodder and/or water for stock, contact NSW Agricultural and Animal Services Hotline 1800 814 647 to arrange.
Other NSW Government assistance measures for farmers and other residents impacted by the bushfires include:
• help for eligible people whose homes or belongings have been damaged;
• support for affected local councils to help with the costs of cleaning up and restoring damaged essential public assets;
• concessional interest rate loans for small businesses, primary producers and non-profit organisations;
• freight subsidies for primary producers;
• grants to eligible non-profit organisations; and
• Emergency fodder and/or water for stock.
For information on personal hardship and distress assistance, contact the Disaster Welfare Assistance Line on 1800 018 444.
Further information on disaster assistance is available on the Australian Government’s Disaster Assist website at www.disasterassist.gov.au and the NSW emergency information and response website at www.emergency.nsw.gov.au
Fire danger ratings and up to date information on the fire situation in your area can be found at https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/fire-information