Rural Aid offers flooded farmers in NW Queensland assistance
Rural Aid has announced a suite of assistance measures for flooded farmers in North West Queensland.
Eligible primary producers are now able to apply for a $500 Pre-Paid Visa card from Rural Aid to provide some immediate relief for farmers and their families.
Rural Aid CEO John Warlters said the scale of the devastation will be immense.
“It will be weeks before affected graziers know how many head of cattle they’ve lost to floodwaters and disease,” Mr Warlters said.
“This will heighten the distress these communities are feeling. It’s hard to consider your flood recovery when you’re displaced and unsure of how many of your beloved stock have died.”
“Natural disasters hit particularly hard in isolated regions, and this record-breaking flood is no different.”
Mr Warlters said financial assistance is just one resource that Rural Aid is offering farmers.
“We also offer farmers and their families free mental health counselling,” Mr Warlters said.
“Our counsellors are specially trained to help rural people through the turmoil of natural disasters. They’re free of charge and are just a phone call away, through Rural Aid’s dedicated counselling support line on 1300 175 594.”
Rural Aid staff are also assessing future fodder deliveries.
“Conditions are still dangerous and volatile. Once everyone is safe and emergency services have done their part, Rural Aid will be able to provide more tangible assistance,” Mr Warlters said.
“In 2019 when floods decimated north Queensland and killed hundreds of thousands of cattle, Rural Aid was able to fly fodder in to help hungry livestock.
“Now, four years on, we are again standing with these farmers when they need us most.
“I urge affected primary producers to register with us and let us know what they need, to help get them back on their feet,” Mr Warlters finished.
Farmers across the nine flood affected LGAs can register with Rural Aid by visiting www.ruralaid.org.au or by calling 1300 327 624.
Rural Aid’s team of counsellors can be contacted on 1300 175 594 during business hours Monday to Friday.
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