The recent floods have been devastating for many in our community, with homes, businesses and farms left ruined by the raging torrents.
The flooding has been particularly difficult for Tasmania’s farmers, which in addition to causing damage to farmers’ homes and properties has also resulted in the tragic death of their livestock.
This has created an additional problem for many farmers to deal with, and the full extent of the impacts on livestock is currently being assessed.
The Government is offering additional assistance to landholders through a Livestock Disposal Hotline.
Landholders can contact the Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment on 0418 583 373 to facilitate the removal of carcasses and their appropriate disposal.
If farmers are in a position to manage disposal themselves, carcasses can be deep buried on their farm when conditions allow.
It may be necessary to collect carcasses and store them on dry ground to wait for conditions to improve to allow the construction of a burial pit.
This is a very difficult and distressing time for all, and the Government will stand by Tasmanians through these challenging circumstances to help communities rebuild.
Other key contacts include:
AgriGrowth Tasmania is coordinating offers of support for farm recovery through the Farm Assistance Hotline on 6777 2233 or the email address is AGT.admin@dpipwe.tas.gov.au
If people want to help farmers they can donate to the Rural Relief Fund, which is run by Rural Business Tasmania. Money is being used to support farmers, with cash grants of up to $2,500 currently available, for anything from household goods, fence repairs, and fodder. Donations to the Rural Relief Fund are tax deductible and can be made at selected IGA stores, at any ANZ branch, online at www.ruralbusinesstasmania.org.au/Relief-Fund or by phoning 1300 88 3276. Volunteers can register their interest with Emergency Volunteering CREW (Community Response to Extreme Weather) and you may be matched to an organisation involved in the disaster recovery, see http://www.emergencyvolunteering.com.au/tas
More Media Releases from Jeremy Rockliff
More Media Releases from the Minister for Primary Industries and Water