2021 March floods: Locals and the SES work to feed stranded livestock in the Macleay

As floodwaters inundate low lying properties across the Macleay a group of locals, in conjunction with the SES, are ensuring stranded livestock are fed.

Local farmer and owner of Weismantel Heavy Haulage, Kevin Weismantel, has been working tirelessly over the past four days to drop fodder for cattle in the Third Ln area.

Kevin, who owns property on Third and Second Ln, also aided in moving cattle when floodwaters started to rise at the end of last week.

"We were fortunate enough to get our cattle out on Thursday. We also helped other farmers in the area to get their cattle to safety," he said.

"There were a few mobs of cattle that were left on Third Ln because the truck couldn't get back in to get them. We went down and let them out of the yards and got them to a dry mound of land and they're safe now."

Kevin has moved his cattle to his father's property on Old Station Rd.

"We have 140 head of cattle and they've all been moved off our property. We were still trucking cattle at 1am on Saturday," he said.

Kevin's property on Third Ln is completely underwater, while his 55 hectare property on Second Ln has only one per cent of land that remains above water.

"Our shed is the only bit of dry land at the moment and the rest is underwater."

Although Kevin's property has been inundated with floodwater, he has been working with a group of locals and the SES to feed livestock.

"We've been going out and doing fodder drops of silage to feed the cattle that are stranded," he said.

"We'll also be doing drops to Rudders Lagoon today for people along Crescent Head Road who are isolated."

They will also be providing aid to our neighbours further south.

"Farmers in Telegraph Point are in a world of pain at the moment and we'll be getting livestock feed to them today as well," Kevin said.

"The SES have been incredible with giving us a hand, the Orange Army is awesome."

A number of Weismantel Heavy Haulage trucks are currently in Queensland and Victoria and will be transporting fodder to the Macleay.

"We helped out during the drought and the bushfires and we've been asked and tasked to help out again now."

The fodder drops are being coordinated through NSW Local Land Services. There is a hotline for emergency fodder assistance, locals can call 1800 814 647.

"The number is for anyone who has livestock that need feed or people who see livestock that are stranded and need fodder," Kevin said.

"I'd like to be able to get to everyone, but we just can't at the moment. If people call that number then it can be organised. We won't know if you need it until you call."

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