FLOOD-impacted farmers and primary producers are being asked to complete the NSW Government’s Primary Industries Natural Disaster Damage Assessment survey, once it is safe for them to undertake the task.

Clean-up efforts are well underway and there is an all-in effort – with boots and equipment on the ground – as quickly as possible to ensure the clean-up is co-ordinated, swift, and effective.

This survey collects information that can help shape recovery programs and support.

The damage survey allows farmers to record the number of crops, animals, and infrastructure damaged by the floods, and advise on the severity of damage in their locality.

The survey helps a range of government agencies, industry organisations and communities understand the scale and the impact of a disaster on primary producers, plan for recovery activities and target resources and assistance in an area.

To make a submission, visit the portal www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/damage

The NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development can view survey information in real time.

The results are used to determine the area the natural disaster has impacted and the scale of the event; severity of the impact; and value of damage to primary production sectors and enterprises

where and what assistance or resources may be needed.

Farmers requiring animal welfare assistance can call the AASFA hotline: 1800 814 647 (8am-6pm, seven-days)

NSW Minister for Agriculture and Minister for Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said the damage survey is a real-time way of determining the true scale of a single event like the major flooding seen across the east coast in recent weeks.

“This data will shape recovery programs and tailor government support to the most impacted communities and agricultural sectors,” she said.

“Our Government thanks in advance the farmers and primary producers who complete the survey and share their experiences with us. Your estimates and photos are vital in helping government and industry groups better understand immediate impacts and longer term recovery planning.”