The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) is coordinating responses across the country, from farm groups, who have all pledged their material and moral support for the victims of Victoria’s bushfires and Queensland’s floods.
“They are rallying to the aid of those devastated by bushfires and flood,” NFF president David Crombie said on Monday.
“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.”
Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) president Simon Ramsay said: "The federation has activated its network of members, volunteers and staff across the State to help in recovery work.
“The weeks and months ahead will see the VFF working with farmers on the ground in the collection and distribution of fodder, coordination of agistment and reconstruction of fencing and other critical farm infrastructure.
“Plans are already underway to phone every member in the fire affected areas and it is likely that we will have the first loads of hay being delivered to these areas by Tuesday morning.
“Victorian farmers have already received offers of assistance from farmer organisations around the country including from NSW, South Australia, Western Australia and even from Tasmanian farmers who will be sending a shipload of hay.
"There is likely to be difficulty in sourcing adequate supplies of fodder within Victoria and all interstate assistance is very welcome."
Those wishing to donate fodder, assist with agistment or donate to the VFF’s Bushfire Disaster Relief Fund can do so via the VFF’s website: www.vff.org.au or via phone on 1300 882 833.
The VFF’s website also contains a list of key contacts as well as other relevant websites and information.
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