Farmers or livestock owners requiring assistance or wishing to report damage as a result of severe flooding and heavy rain are being encouraged to contact their Local Land Services Office on 1300 795 299.

NSW DPI State Emergency Management Officer, David Gorman said the NSW Government is providing emergency assistance to farmers following significant rainfall and flooding over the past month.

“We are currently providing assistance to farmers with stranded stock in the Bogan and Forbes Local Government areas,” said Mr Gorman.

“So far we have assisted more than 1,500 sheep and cattle by moving them to higher ground, aerial surveillance or fodder drops.

“DPI will continue to assess the impact to livestock, crops and farm infrastructure however at this stage, it is too early to obtain an accurate assessment of damage.”

Farmer, Angie Armstrong told the Nyngan Observer they will have to wait a substantial amount of time move their cattle back to lower ground. 

“We had to move stock from one quarter of our property to higher country in June and it will need to be dry for at least four weeks before they can go back out to this area,” Mrs Armstrong said.

“We have kept a close eye on the health of our stock and have been moving sheep to ensure they have enough feed and won’t become isolated in the event of further rain/flood waters.”

The Bureau of Meteorology is predicting further rainfall in the coming days. Farmers are reminded to:

·move stock to higher ground away from known flood prone areas

·where possible, ensure these areas won’t be cut off from access

·if access may be cut ensure there is sufficient fodder available on site to sustain stock for an extended period

· ensure fodder supplies/ storage is accessible

For emergency assistance, contact the State Emergency Service on 132 500.

Information on a range of assistance measures are available at emergency.nsw.gov.au