Rural Aid fears ‘tipping point’ after driest three months on record
THE surging demand for fodder for drought-stricken livestock has come as no surprise to the nation’s most trusted rural charity, Rural Aid.
It says the Bureau’s declaration of the three months, August to October, as the driest on record since records began in 1900, coincides with the rapid increase in calls from farmers for assistance – especially hay for livestock, emergency drinking water and mental health and wellbeing support.
Rural Aid chief executive officer John Warlters said farmers had registered requests totalling more than a $1 million for fodder, the majority of which had been received from families in NSW drought hot spots including the Northern Rivers, New England, Hunter Valley.
More than 50pc of NSW was now impacted by drought, an almost doubling of the area affected since September.
On the Queensland side of the border, the State’s south was desperately dry and without widespread and substantial rain it would only be a matter of time before drought declarations followed.
Rural Aid CEO John Warlters said, while attending a hay drop for bushfire affected graziers, that it’s a challenging outlook for farmers.
“Right now, what we’re seeing is below average rainfall, above average temperatures and so much of the countryside is tinder dry.”
“It’s very, very early to see this level of fire activity and it gives us great concern about what this summer is going to look like.”
Mr Warlters said Rural Aid has been monitoring the impending weather conditions closely, as the reality of the current season starts to emerge.
Requests for Rural Aid’s assistance have increased markedly over the past three months.
Mr Warlters said many farmers have no feed for their livestock and are extremely anxious about the months ahead.
“We’re really concerned at Rural Aid that we are almost at a bit of a tipping point right now.”
“Collectively, it means we’re all on edge, and we know that really puts so much more stress and worry on our farmers at this time.
“The number of calls to our counsellors has effectively doubled from this time last year.”
Mr Warlters said Rural Aid is working hard to support farmers, but it can’t do it alone.
“As we come into Christmas, it’s a time that we can all contribute to an organisation like Rural Aid so that we can help farming families and get them through these challenging times,” Mr Warlters said.
Donations can be made at https://buyabale2023.ruralaid.org.au or by calling 1300 327 624.
SOURCES
http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/drought/#tabs=Summary
https://edis.dpi.nsw.gov.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.