Recovery package for farmers to tackle weeds and livestock health after floods

ABOVE: Woodburn after the floods. Photo: Paul Stanley-Jones

The issues of pest management, weed control and livestock health have been amplified by the floods.

The State Government has launched an Early Needs Recovery Program valued at $13 million that will provide technical support and recovery advice to farmers.

Deputy premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the program will provide hands-on advice to primary producers including site visits, workshops and laboratory testing to help inform future business decisions.

“We are expecting to see an increase in pest, disease and weed issues as a result of the big wet,” Mr Toole said.

“The program will also support the important work of volunteer-based organisations such as BlazeAid and BackTrack, to help with practical things like replacing fences.

Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience and Minister for Flood Recovery Steph Cooke said the Early Needs Recovery Program announced today is targeted assistance, part of the NSW and Commonwealth governments’ $150 million Primary Industry Support Package.

Preliminary estimates show the impact of the 2022 floods on the NSW primary sector exceeds half a billion dollars, with more than 30 industries affected.

The Early Needs Recovery Program will be administered by Local Land Services and the Department of Regional NSW.

Access more information about the program here.