Rural Recovery Support Services
Important change to the DPI Rural Recovery Support Service (RRSS) – effective 30 April
As of April 30, 2024, the RRSS will no longer operate in its present capacity as a case management support service to individuals.
We are excited to share that the RRSS will continue to support primary industry and primary producers impacted by natural disasters for the next 12 months under a revised group-based delivery model, commencing 1 May 2024.
What this means
This revised program will move from a 1:1 case management model to a ‘group delivery model’ of recovery support, ensuring we continue to meet the evolving needs of primary producers and industries impacted by disaster.
This pilot model will see the RRSS working alongside primary industry groups and representatives to identify and address ongoing industry-specific barriers to recovery. The new model aims to help primary producers not only recover from disasters, but become resilient in preparing for future challenges, including flood, fire and drought.
The program, currently in the design phase, is being developed to provide targeted support for primary industries. This will include the development and delivery of capacity-building resources and activities to support primary industries' plan for and respond to adverse events. Information regarding the specific industries to be included in this new initiative will be released shortly.
What support is in place for primary producers needing individual support?
Current RRSS clients with ongoing needs are transitioning from DPI to other recovery support services.
Should you require additional information, you can contact us on our general enquiry line 0448 077 684 or email us flood.recovery@dpi.nsw.gov.au.
Links below for further support and assistance:
Flood Recovery Resources
Please click on the blue bars below to find information that can help you recover from floods.
Resources and factsheets
Additional flood recovery resources can be found by visiting Local Land Services.
Regrouping after Natural Disasters
A 3-Part Webinar Series with Kim Deans, Business Coach
Workbook
Farm Insurance
Assistance for primary industries
Disaster damage survey
To record damage to primary production and animals from natural disasters visit www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/damage
The damage survey allows you to record the number of crops, animals, infrastructure and other primary industries damaged in a single event. You can add photos to the assessment and see the severity of damage in your area. With the current floods, we are encouraging those impacted to submit to this survey.
Animal welfare after floods
Managing stock problems after a flood
Stock problems after a flood (nsw.gov.au)
Livestock welfare
Floodwaters and wet conditions can cause a wide range of livestock health issues. Monitor your livestock for signs of disease or injury, ensuring your livestock have access to adequate food and water.
Information on what to look out for can be found HERE.
If you observe any signs of disease or illness please contact your local district vet on 1300 795 299 or call the Agriculture and Animal Services Hotline on 1800 678 593.
Caring for horses after floods
If your horse has been directly affected by flooding, submerged or standing in floodwaters for long periods of time it can lead to several health issues, monitor your horses for any signs of illness or injury.
It is important to assess them as soon as possible, make sure they have clean water to drink and access to food and shelter. For more information on how to care for horses after floods, click HERE.
Managing pasture & fodder after a flood
Pasture options after a coastal flood (nsw.gov.au)
It’s important that landholders understand where feed and fodder has come from, and what it is made up of so potential biosecurity risks can be managed. NSW Department of Primary Industries have produced this helpful handout for landholders and you can download a copy HERE.
For information about buying hay or silage after a flood, click HERE.
For information about biosecurity risks, like pests, weeds and diseases, visit Feed and Fodder (nsw.gov.au)
NSW Department of Primary Industries Drought Feed Calculator
Managing water quality and testing after a flood
After flood or storms, suspended solids such as soil, silt or clay, can clog filters or irrigation systems. Poor water quality can reduce the productivity of plants and pastures or compromise livestock and human health.
If you have any doubts about the quality of water you intend to use for irrigation, stock, human consumption or other domestic purpose, you should get it tested. For more information, click HERE or call (02) 6626 1103.
Horticulture
Recent flooding has devastated many horticulture businesses across our region. Financial assistance is available.
Click HERE for available assistance.
We also encourage you to seek specific advice on the impact of floodwaters to your enterprise given the unique needs of various tree crops, vegetables or berries.
Assessing and stabilising soil erosion earlier is best to prevent further damage following rain events. Please also be mindful that flood water can impact crop product simply by conveying health risks like leptospirosis or untreated sewerage.
Chat to a trusted advisor in your industry or reach out to resources including https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/agriculture/horticulture or https://ausveg.com.au or https://www.horticulture.com.au
Rural Recovery Support Service - Bushfires
Please note the dedicated Bushfire Recovery Support Service finished at end of December 2021. If you require assistance, regardless of the disaster affecting you, please contact the Flood Recovery Support Service.
Tools To Help Primary Producers Prepare for Adverse Events
The Rural Recovery Support Service (RRSS) team have developed three essential guides to help you plan for, prepare against, and recover from natural disasters.
These will provide practical advice, checklists, and strategies tailored to primary producers. It is your go-to guide for resilience and recovery in agriculture.
Managing risk before, during and after natural disasters: A guide for primary producers
Finding help after a natural disaster: A guide for primary producers
