Rural Aid Supporting Farmers Affected by Cyclone Alfred
With Tropical Cyclone Alfred now expected to make landfall late on Friday, impacting Southeast Queensland and the North Coast of New South Wales, Rural Aid is prepared to provide support for farmers in the affected regions.
As the cyclone approaches, Rural Aid urges farmers to stay informed by regularly checking local council disaster dashboards, the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM), Windy.com, and other emergency service updates. These resources provide essential weather forecasts, safety advice, and evacuation procedures.
Farmers in impacted areas are encouraged to take immediate action to ensure they are prepared for the storm.
Mental Health Support During Disasters
The impact of disasters extends beyond physical damage, affecting mental wellbeing. Rural Aid reminds farmers and primary producers to prioritise their mental health during this time. Stress can build before, during, and after such events, and seeking support early is crucial. Rural Aid offers free, confidential counselling services to assist primary producers during this challenging period.
Rural Aid’s dedicated counselling support line is staffed by trained professionals from Monday to Friday, 9am–4pm AEDT.
Disaster Assistance from Rural Aid
Rural Aid offers comprehensive support to assist farmers in navigating this challenging time.
Rural Aid provides practical advice and resources to help farmers prepare for the approaching storm.
Following the storm’s passage, Rural Aid will offer long-term recovery assistance, including hay and domestic water deliveries, financial support, and help with rebuilding efforts.
Fodder
In the aftermath of the cyclone, many farmers may face challenges in accessing feed for their livestock. While Rural Aid will coordinate fodder deliveries to support farmers in need as soon as possible, it is important that farmers take immediate action to ensure they receive the help they require.
In addition to registering with Rural Aid, we encourage all affected farmers to reach out to the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) or the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) as soon as possible for immediate support. These agencies are key points of contact during this initial phase and can assist with immediate needs.
Additionally, it’s crucial for farmers to complete the relevant disaster surveys. This will help identify the most affected areas and support the process for declaring disaster zones in the states.
Here are the links to the necessary surveys:
Queensland DPI Agriculture Disaster Impact Survey
https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/a65512900348401a812e57d743e4c104
NSW Primary Industries Natural Disaster Damage Assessment (PiNDDA)
https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/emergencies/emergency/community/primary-industries-natural-disaster-damage-survey
By registering and completing these surveys, you will help ensure the necessary support is directed to the areas that need it most. Rural Aid is here to assist, but your early action is vital to accessing all available resources.
Registration and Support
Farmers in affected areas are encouraged to register with Rural Aid to access a wide range of support services, including financial assistance, water deliveries, and mental health support. By registering, farmers gain immediate access to critical aid that can make a significant difference during tough times.
For more information or to register, visit www.ruralaid.org.au/services-provided/ or call 1300 327 624.
Statement from Mr. John Warlters, CEO of Rural Aid:
“Tropical Cyclone Alfred is expected to bring challenging conditions to farmers across Southeast Queensland and the North Coast of New South Wales. Rural Aid is committed to supporting these farmers with fodder, financial assistance, and mental health resources. Farmers in the affected areas are urged to register with us as part of their readiness plan to ensure they receive the help they need during this time.”
About Rural Aid:
Rural Aid is Australia’s leading rural charity, dedicated to providing practical support and vital services to farmers and rural communities. Since its establishment in 2015, the charity has been a lifeline during times of crisis, delivering essential services such as mental health support, hay, domestic water, and community engagement. As the organisation celebrates 10 years of service, it continues to partner with farmers to navigate challenges, recover from hardship, and build stronger, more resilient futures, shaping a brighter future for rural Australia.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Daniel Brown
Media and Communications Officer
0447 116 757
daniel.brown@ruralaid.org.au