NSW Department of Primary Industries and Local Land Services have commenced aerial fodder drops and surveillance flights on the North Coast to provide vital support for flood-affected landholders in isolated areas.  

Incident Controller for the North Coast, Andrew Biddle, said up to 80,000 kg of fodder was scheduled to be delivered to impacted landholders, while surveillance flights would provide a better understanding of the current situation.  

“We have already seen a mammoth response from volunteers and local communities to provide aerial support to landholders and stranded stock, and we would like to thank them for their efforts,” Mr Biddle said.  

“Being able to deliver fodder via helicopter allows us to provide critical supplies, while ensuring these landholders are not putting themselves at risk by travelling in dangerous conditions.  

“We will continue to investigate all other options of accessing and providing support to isolated landholders, whether that be by boat or heavy-duty vehicles, which is why it is important landholders keep registering their requests for emergency fodder by contacting the Agricultural Services hotline on 1800 814 647. 

“Doing so allows us to map out where support is most needed, allocate resources, better manage our supplies so we can support landholders through the immediate flood and recovery process. 

“Fodder supplies are limited as the floods have destroyed supplies and interrupted transport routes. Once you are registered for fodder assistance our operations team will allocate you a supply and as soon as that supply is available, and we have space at the distribution point we’ll contact you to schedule your pickup.” 

North Coast fodder distribution points have been established at: 

• McGregor Gourlay – Grafton  
• McGregor Gourlay – Alstonville 
• Norco – Casino 

“Our teams are dealing with a large number of requests for assistance, but rest assured, we are working as quickly as possible to assist everyone,” Mr Biddle said.   

NSW Department of Primary Industries and Local Land Services are responding together to the current North Coast flood disaster as the Agricultural and Animal Services Functional Area (AASFA).  

It is essential that requests for emergency fodder for your livestock or assistance with animal assessment, by contacting the Agricultural and Animal Services hotline on 1800 814 647.