Rural Aid delivers emergency hay to fire-damaged farms
Australia’s leading rural charity is delivering truckloads of hay to struggling livestock affected by the Queensland bushfires.
Burnett and Central Queensland farmers are welcoming the fodder, organised in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF).
Five road trains are delivering hay to Carnarvon Gorge, and the North and South Burnett regions.
Rural Aid’s CEO said the charity is well versed at sourcing hay urgently during times of disaster, and often when it is in short supply.
“Rural Aid has great relationships with hay suppliers, growers and transport companies, that we have built and maintained since 2015,” John Warlters said.
“We’re pleased we could support the Queensland Government’s request for high-quality, emergency hay for the hardest hit primary producers in the worst-impacted regions.”
Mr Warlters is expecting hay demand to increase as a direct result of the fires.
“We expect to be inundated with requests for hay, on top of already high-demand,” Mr Warlters said.
“The intense fires have wiped out any remaining grass on these properties, leaving livestock hungry without easy access to pasture.”
“We’ve received more than $1million worth of hay requests from our registered farmers in the past month alone.”
Mr Warlters said Rural Aid will need another huge and generous outpouring of support from the Australian community and business sector to meet the rapidly escalating demand for its services.
“Rural Aid delivered $56 million of hay and other services over a two-year period between 2018-19 when drought and bushfire were ravaging the country,” Mr Warlters said.
Australia’s most trusted rural charity is asking Australians to dig deep and rally together to help meet the significant challenge ahead. You can buy a bale by visiting www.buyabale.com.au or calling 1300 327 624.
“Primary producers should register their losses and request assistance via the DAF’s Disaster Impact Survey at www.daf.qld.gov.au “
“As well farmers needing fodder, financial and well-being assistance are encouraged to reach out to Rural Aid at www.ruralaid.org.au.”
About Rural Aid
Rural Aid is Australia’s most trusted rural charity. We stand with our farmers when they need us most. Rural Aid provides critical support to farmers affected by natural disaster through financial, wellbeing and fodder assistance. Rural Aid’s community programs help create more sustainable communities by building stronger futures for all Australian farmers. Find out more at www.ruralaid.org.au
For more information or interviews, contact Rural Aid Media on media@ruralaid.org.au or 0447 116 757.
Featured in Queensland Government Media Announcement and Southburnett