Emergency fodder provides relief for bushfire-hit primary producers

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• More than 360 large square bales of fodder delivered to bushfire affected farmers
• Producers urged to complete Disaster Impact Survey
• Rural Aid provides fodder and well-being support

The Palaszczuk Government has partnered with Rural Aid to source and deliver more than 360 large square bales of much-needed emergency fodder to support livestock in regions hit by bushfires.

A Bushfire Fodder Taskforce – a partnership between the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF), AgForce and Rural Aid was established last week to assist primary producers seeking emergency livestock feed as a result of the Queensland bushfires.

Major areas where fodder was delivered over the weekend included Ban Ban Springs (72 bales), Eidsvold (79 bales), Toondahra (32 bales)  and Durong (32 bales), bringing total deliveries up to 366 bales so far. An additional road train is scheduled to deliver into the Southern Downs on Tuesday.

The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) will be providing advice to landholders on recovery options tailored to their individual circumstances.

DAF will continue to carefully monitor the situation.

Primary producers can also access disaster assistance loans up to $250,000 and freight assistance up to $5000.

Products sourced from the Fire Ant Biosecurity Zones must comply with movement control requirements.

Other support available includes:

• Emergency hardship assistance
• Free mental health support 
• Free financial counselling
• Drought preparedness grants and loans

For information on applications and assistance, visit www.qrida.qld.gov.au or call 1800 623 946. Contact DAF on 13 25 23 for freight subsidies.

For more information, head to Queensland bushfires | Business Queensland.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Furner:

“Thanks to the efforts of the taskforce more than 50 primary producers have received fodder support, a critical lifeline for their livestock,” Mr Furner said.

“There is a wide range of disaster assistance available to affected farmers and I urge them to reach out and use it.

“Producers who have been affected by the bushfires are strongly encouraged to fill out a Disaster Impact Survey so their need can be properly assessed and prioritised.

“So Far more than 100 surveys have been completed and that has been critical to making sure we get the right help to the right places.”

Quotes attributable to Rural Aid chief executive officer John Warlters:

“Rural Aid was quickly able to switch on the fodder and well-being support farmers needed in this current bushfire crisis,” Mr Warlters said.

“We supported the government to bring over 360 bales of emergency fodder to areas most impacted by the current bushfires.

“We continue with our regular programs, while also working with industry and government to help our mates in the bush when they need us most. 

“With thousands of hectares of pasture wiped out in the bushfires, many farmers and their communities will need ongoing disaster recovery support. 

“We have been doing this since 2015 with the original ‘Buy a Bale’ campaign and we are asking people to support us now to continue this vital work.”

ENDS

Bernadette Condren - 0417 296 116