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Storms and floods challenge Hunter land holders
Susan Hooke
Chair
The past couple of month have been challenging for our local land managers, industries and communities, with extensive storms and flooding damaging much of the Lower Hunter.
On behalf of the Hunter Local Board I wish to express my support to our many customers, colleagues and friends who have been affected.
I encourage those requiring help to access the advice and assistance provided by Hunter Local Land Services in areas such as: livestock health and welfare; pasture, feed and stock options; reporting and assessing damage and property planning (including fencing).
The storm and floods have provided an early test of our new organisation, working with the State Emergency Service, Department of Primary Industries to help Hunter land holders. Our staff responded to more than 148 requests for assistance, distributed 20 tonnes of emergency fodder to 1,800 cattle and 480 horses and even food to 50,000 stranded chickens.
I would like to thank them for their dedication and professionalism.
Of course there remains much work to be done and I look forward to discussing how we can support your recovery efforts.
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Recovery services for flood-affected land holders
Brett Miners
General Manager
The Commonwealth and New South Wales governments this week announced grants of up to $15,000 will be available for eligible primary producers.
The grants, funded under the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements, are available in the local government areas of Dungog, Great Lakes, Maitland, Newcastle, Port Stephens, Singleton and to parishes of Branxton, Heddon and Stockrington. Oyster growers in Port Stephens and Brisbane Waters are also eligible.
Hunter LLS and the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) will be providing a range of information and support sessions for primary producers in coming weeks - with the aim of supporting as many eligible farmers as possible to apply and secure funds to assist their recovery.
In the meantime further information and application forms are available from the Rural Assistance Authority website:
Natural Disaster Relief Scheme grants - information and application forms
The NSW Premier Mike Baird announced the grants while visiting the Hunter earlier this week (see below). The Premier reinforced the importance of assisting primary producers to recover from the flood and the commitment of the NSW Government to provide practical support. He encouraged all eligible primary producers to apply for a recovery grant. |
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Flood hit farmers in the Hunter Valley will receive a much needed funding boost, with grants up to $15,000 available to repair the damage bill from last April’s devastating East Coast low.
Read the full article in The Land: Funds flow for flood hit farmers
Image courtesy of The Land.
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Hunter Local Land Services continues to provide important support services to our customers affected by the storms and floods. Our officers are available to help with information and support on livestock, pasture and property issues.
Our most recent Animal Health Newsletter also provides detailed advice from our team of District Veterinarians on a range of flood-related issues.
Importantly, our ratepayers in natural disaster declared areas will be able to defer payment of their annual Local Land Services rates until 27 August 2015. I also encourage them to consider the payment plans available to them.
Please note that, due to limitations in our business systems , ratepayers who chose to defer payment of rates will still receive a notification of outstanding rates. Ratepayers in flood-affected areas who deferred payment of rates can ignore these outstanding rates notices until after 27 August 2015. We apologise for any inconvenience.
We have produced a short video outlining the range of options available to affected landholders. We also have a Flood Resource Pack for landholders, which provides a complete list of relevant contacts and services available from the Department of Primary Industries, Rural Assistance Authority and other agencies. This includes:
- Disaster relief loans and transport subsidies (Rural Assistance Authority)
- Disaster relief grants (Police and Emergency Services)
- Fencing assistance (Blazeaid)
- Free financial counselling (Rural Financial Counselling Services)
- Mental health and wellbeing support services
- Free legal advice (Legal Aid NSW)
For further information you can call the DPI Hotline on 1800 814 647.
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 Can I clear dangerous trees?
Nicolai Cooper
Senior Land Services Officer
Following the storms and floods many landholders are seeking advice about removing dangerous trees from their properties.
There are a range of exemptions for clearing under the Native Vegetation Act called Routine Agricultural Management Activities (RAMAs) that do not require consent from Hunter Local Land Services. Clearing that is considered necessary to remove or reduce an imminent risk of serious personal injury or serious damage to property is a RAMA, provided it is undertaken to the minimum extent necessary.
You do not need to notify or seek permission from Hunter Local Land Services to apply a RAMA. It is advisable, however, for landholders to keep evidence that justifies the use of the imminent risk RAMA. Evidence could include photographs or a report from an arborist that demonstrates that the tree poses serious imminent risk. It is possible that the vegetation may be protected under another form of legislation, for example the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 or under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979. You would need to check with the administering organisations such as your local council or Office of Environment and Heritage to determine this. Please note, you can only implement RAMAs on your own property.
If you would like more information about RAMAs or you have other native vegetation clearing inquiries, please contact Hunter Local Land Services for further advice. We are here to help you to protect and increase the viability of your property. Please note that it is illegal to use RAMAs to progressively clear land for a purpose outside the scope of the RAMA.
There are more details available on our website:
Can I clear dangerous trees in my backyard?
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 Consider reducing cattle numbers for winter
Digby Rayward
District Veterinarian
Going into winter, pasture quality and quantity can be a challenge. Following the flood event we are already responding to RSPCA requests for advice, as some stock holders remain overstocked and with limited feed available. Unless action follows there is a real threat that they may face a 'failure to feed" prosecution from the RSPCA.
Stock owners should seriously consider reducing numbers during this feed squeeze as cattle prices are very good. If they take the option to feed path, they should consider the economics and extra work involved carefully.
Further advice from our District Veterinarians on flood-related issues is available in our most recent Animal Health Newsletter.
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Tell your flood story
The NSW Office of Environment and Heritage, in conjunction with local Councils, has launched a community survey aimed at collecting information direct from community members relating to their experience of the recent flooding event that affected the Hunter Region. Community members can find the online survey at:
www.surveymonkey.com/r/April_2015_Hunter_Flood
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Profiling our oyster farms
Hunter Local Land Services (LLS) is working with six oyster farmers in the Wallis Lake estuary to develop farm profiles. The farm profiles accurately describe production methods, materials used and opportunities to improve sustainability. A map of each farmers leases is produced and includes the infrastructure layout within each lease.
The growers can now use this to plan for changes such as adopting new and more production methods.
Hunter LLS is also providing financial assistance to the farmers involved, to implement 'on-ground/in-water' actions to improve sustainability, identified through the farm profiles. This pilot project is expected to be expanded to other farms in the region.
For further information email Brian.Hughes@lls.nsw.gov.au.
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What are your priorties?
Hunter Local Land Services has a commitment to develop and deliver high quality services targeted to our local communities. We want to know what your concerns and your priorities are, so we can tailor the services we provide to you.
Complete the LLS Service Delivery Survey.
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