With dams and waterways at capacity and more rain forecast, Local Land Services is urging landholders to use coming days to review and enact their farm emergency plan.
Severe weather warnings have been issued for large parts of western, southern, central and northern NSW, with the weather system moving east throughout the week.
Ensuring animals are factored into flood planning, Local Land Services Emergency Management Coordinator Piers Harper said having a farm emergency plan will reduce stress, allow clearer thinking and improve the chances of keeping you and your livestock safe should flood waters arrive.
"Planning will not only protect your home, property and business. You also have an obligation to protect your livestock and pets from drowning,” Mr Harper said.
"Your flood plan doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, it needs to be as easy and straightforward as possible so that if you are away someone else can implement it on your behalf.
"The State Emergency Service (SES) has a wide range of resources on its website to help you plan and prepare your property and livestock.
“You can also visit the Local Land Services website to download a copy our Farm Flood Readiness Kit.”
Prepared by specialist emergency management staff from Local Land Services, the Flood Readiness Kit helps landholders identify flood risks and hazards using a simple checklist.
There is also a section to record stock numbers, property Information and key contacts to engage in your planning
"We encourage you to identify and move livestock to a ‘safe’ area on your property where they are away from danger but still have access to food and water," Mr Harper said.
“You should remove pumps from waterways, secure moveable objects like bale feeders and where possible, move farm equipment to higher ground.
"It's also important to store all chemicals securely and out of potential floodwater levels.”
Should further flood warnings be issued in coming days, it is important to monitor weather updates and warnings from the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM), as well as flood alerts on the SES.
For further information and advice, contact Local Land Services on 1300 795 299 or visit www.lls.nsw.gov.au/floods.
