Bushfire and Flood Response

The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) is coordinating responses from farm groups across the country, who have all pledged their material and moral support for the victims of Victoria’s bushfires and Queensland’s floods.

"Farmers across the country are rallying to the aid of those devastated by bushfires and flood,” NFF President David Crombie said. “We have been inundated by calls from farmers wanting to lend a hand in whatever way necessary.

We are coordinating with the Victorian Farmers’ Federation and AgForce Queensland to ascertain the exact needs on the ground. Farm groups from other states have all put their hands up to help.

For example, the Tasmanian Farmers’ and Graziers’ Association has offered to put together fodder loads for shipment into fire and drought ravaged areas to keep livestock that survived the onslaught alive through the aftermath.

The Tasmanian Government has assisted with arrangements for the transportation of the feed to any areas that need it.

Other states are looking at similar measures depending on the needs.

We urge any farmers wanting to render assistance in helping victims through the days and weeks ahead, to contact their respective state farming organisations. Also, any farmers in need of support should do likewise to ensure aid gets to where it’s needed.

Obviously, the events of the last few days across most of Victoria and the majority of Queensland have rammed home to us all the devastating and bitter extremes that people on the land face. No one is immune.

And metropolitan and regional Australians have, true to form, again rallied to the aid of others in desperate need. So, too, have many corporate leaders and, of course, the Australian and State Governments.

A special place is reserved in the annals of Australian heroism and community spirit when it come to our fire fighters – in particular those in regional areas, many of whom are volunteers – and SES workers, and all those who braved the flames, the rising waters, the elements, and the uncertainty when circumstances were blackest to protect the lives and properties of others.

Again, they have been unwavering in answering the call. Again, they have our eternal gratitude and heartfelt thanks for which there really are no words.

Likewise, Queenslanders are to be commended. Facing their own dire predicaments as the flood waters started to subside – only to rise again after another downpour, and yet more big rains predicted in the days ahead – they have been resolute in deflecting attention away from their troubles towards Victoria.

With the appalling losses of human life, livestock, property, entire communities, businesses and productive land still growing, it’s too soon for the enormity of the full toll to be clear.

However, Australians are banding together and, together, we will get everyone who needs help through the darkest days and on the way to recovery. We simply must."

www.nff.org.au