The Beagle
Mar 26, 2021
The floods in Bega Valley and Eurobodalla have now been declared natural disasters. For primary producers, this opens support through the NSW Rural Assistance Authority for low interest loans and transport subsidies.
Landholders are urged to complete the Natural Disaster Damage Survey (https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/climate-and-emergencies/emergency/community/primary-industries-natural-disaster-damage-survey) to help inform government of the level of impact to allow targeting of support and resources.
Primary producers can contact the RAA on 1800 678 593 or email rural.assist@raa.nsw.gov.au
Farmers and small business owners facing legal problems related to the catastrophic 2019-20 bushfires can access free, confidential legal help from specialised insurance, credit and debt lawyers and financial counsellors.
Financial Rights Legal Centre Chief Executive Officer Karen Cox said while our thoughts today turn to people who have suffered loss amidst the devastation of the NSW floods, there are many people still reeling from the impact of the catastrophic 2019-20 bushfires.
“Many Australians have faced added stresses following the devastation of losing their properties because of difficulties and significant delays with their insurance claims,” Ms Cox said.
“Hundreds of individuals and families have found themselves under-insured or uninsured leaving them unable to replace their homes or other property including vehicles, outbuildings, livestock and fencing. For some, they are now facing storm and flood damage as well. ”
More than 3000 homes were destroyed and 17 million hectares burned across NSW, Victoria, Queensland, ACT, Western Australia and South Australia.
Financial Rights Legal Centre is a community legal centre that can provide free legal advice and financial counselling to help for consumers, farmers, primary producers and small businesses affected by the bushfires.
The Financial Rights Insurance Law Service is a key repository of insurance law expertise with extensive resources and experience in dealing with insurance issues.
Ms Cox said Financial Rights had specialised lawyers and financial counsellors who understood problems people face when their properties are damaged or destroyed by natural disasters including bushfires, COVID-19, hail, storm and drought.
“We are assisting many people who face significant ongoing delays with repairs with some left without safe accommodation because insurers generally only cover rental costs up to 12 months.
“Others are continuing to battle through disputes with insurers over repair valuations, insufficient cash settlements, unfair policy terms and conditions and confusing exclusions.
“People in these circumstances do not have to struggle alone, there is a wealth of free, confidential expertise available at Financial Rights.”
With vast areas of NSW still impacted by flood waters, landholders are being warned to remain vigilant for increased animal disease risks.
Recognising that a number of these animal diseases can exist long after flood waters recede, Local Land Services (LLS) Animal Welfare and Biosecurity Business Partner, Scott Ison says it is important to inspect livestock at regular intervals once it is safe to do so.
“The most important consideration is to ensure livestock have access to clean water and feed. Stock that are nutritionally challenged and stressed as a result of the floods, are likely to be more susceptible to a range of diseases," Mr Ison said.
“Animals that have been standing in water for some time are susceptible to skin and respiratory infections whilst bacteria, biting insects and worm eggs and larvae may also be present.
“Flooded pastures can be contaminated with silt and debris which pose a particular risk as wounds or breaks in skin can quickly become infected."
Another common risk for animals following floods is plant or feed poisonings with displaced and hungry stock forced to feed on poisonous plants, weeds or rotting pastures.
“Where possible, producers who are sending stock away on agistment should endeavour to make enquiries as to the presence of poisonous plants on those properties and monitor cattle closely. The same applies to stored or standing feed that might also be flood affected," Mr Ison said.
“The good news is that if caught early, many of these diseases can be treated with veterinary attention. Inspecting animal health on a daily basis is the key."
NSW Department of Primary Industries and LLS respond to natural disasters together as the Agriculture and Animal Services Functional Area (AASFA).
Landholders can register with the Agriculture and Animal Services hotline on 1800 814 647 if they need assistance with animal assessment or directly contact their Local Land Services District Veterinarian.
Local Land Services have produced the “Caring for livestock in times of flood” guide to assist landholders monitor livestock.
Download a copy at www.lls.nsw.gov.au/help-and-advice/emergency-and-biosecurity/floods