FARMERS across the region are looking to begin on the road to recovery following the floods earlier this month, with many still suffering from loss of livestock, crops, and damages to property.
Support groups are working to assist farmers in getting back on their feet, setting up base camps in affected areas across Victoria to help rebuild fences to allow livestock to return to farms that were flooded.
Farmers in the Mitchell Shire are also working to recover, however significant amounts of water still on the ground are preventing groups such as BlazeAid from working with farmers to repair damages to property.
BlazeAid chief executive Melissa Jones said multiple camps had been set up to help farmers repair, including at Bridgewater.
“It’s looking like we’ll have about six base camps across Victoria in places like Seymour, Echuca, and Rochester once it dries up enough for us to start work,” she said.
Somerset Heritage Produce is located on the banks of the Goulburn River in Seymour and saw significant damage, with floods submerging both the farm and the home of owners Chloe and Cam.
Efforts from the State Emergency Service meant farm personnel and animals were safe, however the recovery of vegetable crops and replacement of farm equipment is expected to take several months as the significant amounts of water will take time to fully recede.
A GoFundMe has been set up to help the farm recover from damages.
BlazeAid has been working with farmers to repair fences following the floods, a process which first requires the clean-up of debris before assessing previous fences to determine if wire and posts can be reused in a new fence.
“It can cost $15,000 per kilometre to rebuild a fence, and some farmers have 30 to 40 kilometres of fencing that was damaged so it can be quite costly for them,” Ms Jones said.
Ms Jones said losses of livestock and crops would hit some farmers especially hard, as spring is an important time for selling produce.
“From my experience, farmers really care about the welfare of their animals it can be tough for them when things like this happen and some animals are lost,” she said.
BlazeAid has put out a call for volunteers and donations to assist with clean up efforts following the floods, including setting up base camps in affected areas. Anyone can volunteer regardless of experience.
For more information or to donate, people can visit blazeaid.com.au.
Support available
The State Government is offering support to farmers through the Primary Producer Flood Relief Program, which provides primary producers with a $10,000 payment to assist with cleaning up, re-establishing properties and returning their businesses to operation.
Flood-affected primary producers can also claim up to 50 per cent of transport costs for the transport of emergency food or drinking water for livestock, as well as the transport of livestock.
Mitchell Shire chief executive Brett Luxford said council would work with government and farmers to offer support in the coming months.
“Farmers were hard hit by the recent flooding and Mitchell Shire Council is working is working in partnership with the state and federal governments to support them,” he said.
“At this stage council does not have clarity on the number of livestock lost, with most farmers managing stock losses on their own land and fencing losses being referred to BlazeAid.”
Property owners with dead animals on private land are encouraged to contact council’s environmental health team on 5734 6200.
To apply for State Government support, people can visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/farm-management/emergency-management/floods/flood-advice-and-support.
