FEBRUARY 2014

Recovery after Bushfires Rebuilding your life and farming operations after being burnt out is often daunting, stressful and costly. The NSW DPI website provides a range of factsheets that provide practical information about preparing for, dealing with and recovering from bushfires: http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/agriculture/drought-bushfire-and-emergencies/bushfire

Water Water is an essential nutrient for all animals. It is important for both animal welfare and business profitability that sheep and cattle have an adequate supply of good quality water. The suitability of water and its availability following fire is determined by: •

water quality; salinity, acidity, toxic elements and compounds, and algal growth

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system destruction;. pipes, troughs, pumps & tanks

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environmental factors; air temperature and feed quality

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animal factors; breed differences and age and condition of stock.

WARNING Chemical residues and pollutants Contamination of water supplies by chemicals and other pollutants is a risk, particularly in mixed farming areas, where the use of pesticides and herbicides is common. Producers should be aware of the risks involved in the use or misuse of these compounds. Contamination of ground water or catchment areas could lead to intake of chemicals by stock and wildlife. While there may not be any direct toxic effect on the stock, some chemicals can stay in the animal as residues which may render the produce of that animal unfit for consumption and expose the owner to the cost and inconvenience of quarantine or prosecution or both.

Livestock LLS animal health staff will assess the condition of livestock and, if required, carry out or oversee the humane destruction of stock with a poor chance of recovery. The staff will assist stockowners in categorising the affected stock as: • requiring immediate destruction • requiring emergency salvage slaughter • needing treatment and re-assessment The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (1986) removes the option of doing nothing. Sick or injured stock must be treated or destroyed.

w ww.lls.nsw.gov.au/riverina

Animal Nutrition If there is insufficient paddock feed remaining, consider the following options: • agistment •

hand feeding cattle, calves & sheep

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lot feeding

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combination of the above

Pasture Recovery The effect of bushfires on both annual and perennial pastures is variable and will depend on the heat of the fire, the type and vigour of the pasture, soil fertility and seasonal conditions. Local Land Services officers are available to provide independent advice.

Wildlife Catching and caring properly for native animals and birds should be left to experts, however there may be need for first aid treatment of injured animals. •

contact a local wildlife rescue group

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deliver to the animal to a local veterinary surgery

Managing Weeds Due to their competitiveness, weed species readily invade bare areas of ground which have been denuded of vegetation. Weed strategies following fire are advised for the two classes of land most at risk of weed invasion are cropping and grazing land.

Financial Assistance Disaster Relief Grants - for household contents and structural repairs Rebates for transport of fodder and stock NSW Rural Assistance Authority provides assistance to rural producers and small business in regional NSW

Support Networks NSW DPI Rural Support Workers provide immediate personal support, basic information and referral to other appropriate services. Your local contact is: Di Pritchard (02) 6051 7703 or 0417 231 852 [email protected] NSW DPI Rural Support Assistance Guide provides immediate personal support, basic information and referral to other appropriate services.

More Information: http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/agriculture/drought-bushfire-and-emergencies/bushfire © State of New South Wales through Local Land Services 2014. The information contained in this publication is based on knowledge and 2 understanding at the time of writing February 2014. However, because of advances in knowledge, users are reminded of the need to ensure that the information upon which they rely is up to date and to check the currency of the information with the appropriate officer of Local Land Services or the user’s independent adviser. For updates go to www.lls.nsw.gov.au