The NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (NSW DPIRD) has released a new Drought, Fire, and Flood Recovery Guide designed to support producers across NSW facing the challenges of extreme weather events.
This comprehensive new guide addresses the unique pressures experienced by NSW farmers recovering from drought, bushfires, and flooding events.
It complements the Managing Drought, fire and flood guide released earlier this year which focuses on preparedness and response.
NSW DPIRD Livestock Systems Group Director Dougal Gordon said this guide provides a range of strategies and insights to help producers make informed decisions that benefit their natural resources, livestock, businesses and their overall wellbeing.
“We understand that the pressures of extreme weather events can be overwhelming, and this guide will provide actionable steps to help producers recover, ensuring they can sustain their operations and their communities,” Mr Gordon said.
“It has been designed to empower farmers with strategies and insights that enhance not only their business resilience but also their overall well-being during the recovery stage of extreme weather events.
“The Recovery Guide reflects NSW DPIRD’s commitment to supporting farmers throughout the entire recovery process, fostering both resilience and sustainability within our agricultural sector."
The recovery phase following any extreme event presents a valuable opportunity for producers to assess and improve their strategies, ensuring they are better equipped to face future challenges.
To help achieve this, key features of the guide include:
- Informed Decision-Making: Strategies tailored to assist farmers in navigating the complexities of recovery.
- Practical Advice: Guidance on livestock, farm management, and sustainable practices related to soils, pastures, cropping, and natural resources.
- Resource Information: Direct access to relevant resources from NSW DPIRD and Local Land Services (LLS).
Mr Gordon said Australia's landscape is increasingly shaped by extreme weather events, and predictions indicate that these occurrences will become more frequent, severe and of longer duration due to climate change.
“While farmers possess significant experience in dealing with such challenges, the mental, physical, and financial toll they can inflict can be substantial,” Mr Gordon said.
"Preparing for, responding to, and recovering from extreme events is crucial for the resilience of our agricultural communities.
"This guide not only aims to help producers return to normality but also encourages them to rethink and enhance their preparedness and response plans for the future."
For more information and to access the Drought, Fire, and Flood Recovery Guide, please visit NSW DPIRD Drought hub website - https://www.droughthub.nsw.gov.au/drought-fire-and-flood-recovery-guide.