The NSW Government has activated assistance for farmers across the Mid North Coast, North Coast and Hunter regions who are experiencing severe weather, including heavy rainfall and flooding. 

For urgent requests for stock assistance, including animal assessment, veterinary support or emergency fodder, impacted landholders are encouraged to call the Agricultural and Animal Services Functional Area (AASFA) emergency hotline at: 1800 814 647 which is available 9.00 am to 5.00 pm seven days a week.

For emergency calls at any time call NSW SES - 132 500.

The Government urges farmers and families to continue preparations for flood impacts but only where safe to do so. 

Animal Safe Places are being activated to support people with large pets and lifestyle animals such as horses at Wauchope, Wingham, and Kempsey Showgrounds.

Travelling stock routes (TSR) have been opened for farmers to move livestock to when needed and AASFA can assist with displaced stock, if required.

The Government’s NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development with Local Land Services, through AASFA are supporting the NSW SES to assist affected farmers.

With further rain forecast and floodwaters expected to move through the region in the coming days and weeks, farmers are encouraged to take proactive steps to protect livestock and property—but only where it is safe to do so.

Assistance available through AASFA includes:

• Animal assessment and veterinary support
• Euthanasia of animals on welfare grounds
• Emergency fodder (where there is an immediate animal welfare concern)
• Emergency stock water (where there is an immediate animal welfare concern)
• Livestock feeding and management advice
• Aerial support for isolated or stranded livestock

The AASFA State Control Centre is operating from Orange with two Forward Command Posts in Paterson and Coffs Harbour providing operational support.

RSPCA and Australian Veterinarian Association are available to provide support as required at Evacuation Centres where animals are housed.

Most importantly, farmers are reminded to prioritise personal safety. Do not take unnecessary risks around floodwaters.

DPIRD and LLS have commenced preparations for recovery under the coordination of the Reconstruction Authority. 

People in impacted areas are reminded to follow the directions of emergency services personnel and check on their neighbours to ensure they have received critical emergency messages. Download the Hazards Near Me app and set watch points for your area.

If you need emergency assistance, call the NSW State Emergency Service on 132 500.

If the matter is life-threatening, call Triple Zero (000).

Latest warnings and information for impacted communities, including evacuation centre locations, are available at www.ses.nsw.gov.au   

Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said, “Our agencies have activated the Agricultural and Animal Services Functional Area to support landholders and regional communities affected by flooding in the Hunter and up the coast,” Minister Moriarty said.

“We know our state's farmers are resilient in the face of natural disasters, be it droughts, bushfires, cyclones or a flood.

“But we genuinely understand our responsibility to support them in the face of an extreme weather event like this, because our state relies on them.

“It is currently too early to determine the full extent of stock losses across affected areas with ongoing rainfall and access issues limiting any ability to assess on-ground impacts.

“Our AASFA personnel bring valuable knowledge, experience, and strong networks. They are there when it matters—ready to help landholders in need.

“When it is safe, I want to encourage primary producers to report flood-related damage, including stock and fodder losses, damage to crops, pastures, fencing and other farm infrastructure through the Primary Industries Natural Disaster Damage Assessment (PiNDDA).

“This will ensure that we understand the severity and regional distribution of the damage and can target resources and assistance in the appropriate areas.”