NSW Deploys Rescue Helicopters to Aid Flood-Stricken Farmers
After several days of torrential rain and catastrophic flooding across southeastern Australia beginning the week of May 19, the Minns government has mobilized Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopters to deliver vital emergency fodder to farmers in the Mid-North Coast, North Coast and Hunter regions. State Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty described the deluge as “more impactful than thought possible,” noting that isolated towns, swept-away livestock and damaged homes have left many landholders struggling to maintain their herds. In response, dozens of aerial drops have taken place, with more than 43 consignments of hay and grain air-lifted directly into flood-bound paddocks. Ground teams have supplemented these efforts with nearly 131 emergency fodder deliveries by road and boat, reaching farms cut off by swollen rivers and washed-out roads. Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopters reported on their X feed that while the worst of the storms has passed, crews continue “locating people and providing supplies to assist impacted communities,” and remain on standby for further support missions. Behind the scenes, the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development has activated its Agricultural and Animal Services Functional Area, working alongside Local Land Services teams—about 80 staff strong—to coordinate the emergency response. This partnership under the AASFA umbrella also tackles the grim task of carcass disposal, a critical component of flood recovery that helps prevent disease outbreaks and environmental hazards. Farmers and community members can access the AASFA emergency hotline to report deceased livestock or request on-farm carcass removal, easing the burden on families devastated by animal losses. “We know it is an incredibly difficult time for landholders,” said Leigh Pilkington, Director of the Department of Primary Industries, “and we have teams ready to assist them where we can.” As floodwaters recede and recovery efforts transition from immediate rescue to rebuilding, these coordinated aerial and ground operations underscore the government’s commitment to supporting rural communities through extreme weather events. By combining high-tech helicopter drops, road-based fodder runs and systematic livestock disposal services, NSW authorities aim to stabilize farm operations and safeguard both animal welfare and public health, paving the way for a resilient agricultural recovery in the wake of one of the region’s most severe flood episodes on record.
Related News : https://airguide.info/category/air-travel-business/airline-finance/