THE National Farmers Federation is closely monitoring the unfolding situation as Tropical Cyclone Alfred threatens agricultural communities across southern Queensland and northern New South Wales.
With destructive winds and heavy rainfall predicted, the storm’s potential to cause significant damage to crops, infrastructure, and rural communities is of major concern for the farming sector.
Cyclone Alfred, which looks set to make landfall late Thursday or early Friday, is expected to bring severe weather conditions including destructive winds, storm surges, and heavy rain that could lead to widespread flooding.
The combination of these elements poses a serious threat to the agricultural industry, with potential damage to both crops and farming infrastructure. Crops are at risk of being flooded, while the intense winds could cause significant harm to both plants and farm structures, including fencing and irrigation systems.
In response to the impending crisis, the NFF has been actively liaising with its members in impacted regions.
NFF member organisations will take the lead role in co-ordinating with state and local governments to ensure that the response is both timely and well-organised, with NFF working to ensure that Australian Government resources support the sector.
The NFF is a participating in meetings of the National Co-ordination Mechanism, part of the Australian Government Crisis Management Framework, which facilitates the collaboration of government and non-government organisations during times of national emergencies.
NFF chief executive Troy Willliams said the co-ordination ensures resources are allocated efficiently and the right information is shared between agencies involved in the disaster response.
“Cyclone Alfred poses a serious threat to the agricultural community, and we are deeply concerned about the potential impact it may have on our farmers and rural families,” Mr Willliams said.
He said NFF is committed to working with its members to support the farm sector and impacted communities with the focus on ensuring that necessary response mechanisms are in place to mitigate the damage.
As the cyclone continues to develop, the NFF urges all farmers in affected areas to take necessary precautions to safeguard lives, property, and livestock.
Meanwhile, Incidents Alert report major weather models are showing significant rainfall over the next few days, associated with Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
Heavy rainfall which may lead to flash flooding is forecast to develop across the Northern Rivers, Northern Tablelands and Mid North Coast from Thursday.
Six-hourly rainfall totals between 60-110mm and 24 hour totals between 100-200mm are likely.
Intense rainfall in these areas, which may lead to dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding, may develop during Thursday evening and continue into Friday.
Six-hourly rainfall totals between 200-250mm and 24 hour totals between 300-400mm are possible.
This will result in significant and rapid rises along rivers and creeks across north-east New South Wales.
Visitors to the Northern Rivers and low-lying parts of the Mid North Coast have been urged to leave immediately towards the south, out of the impact zone of Cyclone Alfred.
Residents should continue preparing and ensure they remain up-to-date on the latest forecasts and track of Cyclone Alfred.
If you require emergency assistance, call the NSW SES on 132 500 and if life-threatening, call 000 (Triple Zero). www.ses.nsw.gov.au
View and be alerted severe weather, flooding and more by downloading the NSW Incident Alerts App: https://apple.co/39Y5tW2
Official information sources
New South Wales
NSW State Emergency Service (SES) website: https://www.ses.nsw.gov.au
Hazards Near Me NSW smartphone app: Apple/Android App Store
NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI): https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au
Queensland
Queensland Disaster Management website: https://www.disaster.qld.gov.au
Get Ready Queensland website: https://www.qld.gov.au/emergency/dealing-disasters/disaster-types/flood/flood-prepare/take-steps-to-get-ready
Local Government disaster dashboards: https://www.qld.gov.au/community/disasters-emergencies/disasters/resources-translations/local-government-disaster-dashboards
Department of Primary Industries: http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au
National Resources
Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) warnings: http://www.bom.gov.au/australia/warnings/index.shtml
