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Service 11: Supporting dairy farmers to prepare for, and recover from, natural disaster emergencies

For more information contact: Banjo Patterson (03) 5573 0730 or email: Banjo.Patterson@dpi.vic.gov.au

Service summary

This service aims to prevent animal suffering in an emergency and identify rural landholders’ needs for recovery assistance.

DPI provides the following services directly to farmers (retail):

DPI information and field response

  • Information to enable dairy farmers to prepare for and reduce the impact of emergencies on their businesses <www.dpi.vic.gov.au>.
  • Swift response to animal welfare incidents associated with emergencies affecting dairy farmers.
  • Assessments of loss and damage to agricultural assets and livestock and the needs of affected people and communities.
  • Advisory services targeted to individuals, communities and government agencies on re-establishment of rural enterprises or alternative strategies for economic recovery.
  • Identification and delivery of specific funded recovery programs including administration of specific relief subsidies.

Farm planning and soil conservation services

  • These are provided after fire and flood, to farmers across Victoria including:
  • whole farm planning courses (FarmPlan21) to support dairy farmers to plan and make better decisions across the farming system so they can prepare for and respond to the impacts of emergencies (with a focus on rehabilitating the productive capacity of their land and water resources)
  • management advice to help farmers establish stock containment areas (incentives where available) and water-efficient pasture types and grazing regimes
  • working with farmers to manage the soil health, pasture recovery and erosion impacts of flood and fire
  • advice on supplementary feeding and watering and the costing of different feeding options.
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DPI provides the following R, D&E information to service providers to build capacity and enhance service delivery (wholesale):

  • Coordination of information for other animal welfare agencies in emergency preparedness and response.

    • Participation in a coordinated program with the Country Fire Authority, DSE, Department of Human Services, Victoria Police, State Emergency Service, Victorian Bushfire Reconstruction and Recovery Authority, Department of Health, local government and other non-government organisations such as the Victorian Farmers Federation and RSPCA to ensure that emergency response is efficient and effective.
    • Advice to distribution bodies (e.g. Victorian Farmers Federation) on the potential need for donated emergency fodder and emergency stock water.

DPI will refer farmers and service providers to the following resources (signpost):