Cyclone Hayley: Rural Aid volunteers on standby as heavy rain threatens Kimberley’s pastoral industry
Kimberley pastoralists have been urged to register for charitable support ahead of Tropical Cyclone Hayley, which is approaching the region and is expected to make landfall on Tuesday night.
Nearly three years ago, former tropical cyclone Ellie catastrophically flooded pastoral properties in the Kimberley; This led to massive livestock losses and destruction of infrastructure, including fences, gardens and sheds.
Tens of thousands of cattle perished when floods turned pastoral land into islands and main roads to Broome and Derby were cut off.
The latest weather system is expected to bring heavy rain and strong winds that could pose a serious threat to pastoral properties and remote communities along and south of the Dampier Peninsula.
Residents were already working to secure livestock, crops and vital infrastructure such as fencing, sheds and machinery.
Rural Aid chief executive John Warlters said the farming sector was aware that former tropical cyclone Ellie had “changed people’s lives forever”.
“When families in these communities hear flood and tornado warnings, it can really trigger those memories,” she said.
“Hurricane Hayley is expected to be potentially devastating and we know how quickly conditions in the north can deteriorate.”
Tropical Cyclone Hayley has been upgraded to a category four system as it approaches landfall in WA’s north-west on Tuesday.
There were winds of up to 220 kilometers per hour.
The tropical cyclone is expected to move along the coast towards the northern Dampier Peninsula on Tuesday night, with wind speeds of 170 km per hour.
Mr Warlters said his organisation, which provides support to farmers and rural communities before, during and after natural disasters, wanted to ensure farmers received mental health support during hurricane season.
“But more than that, it’s support for their families and their businesses, because (farming) is their whole job,” he said.
“Farmers can sign up to Rural Aid now, giving us the information we need to communicate quickly and provide the right support at the right time if they are affected.”
Mr Warlters said the charity’s initial support would be to encourage farmers to chat to councillors.
He also called on the broader community to support producers who may face serious recovery challenges after the hurricane.
Donations made through the charity help mobilize aid quickly, allowing farmers to repair damage, care for livestock and keep Australia supplied with food and fibre.
Registered farmers have access to a range of free services including emergency financial assistance, professional advice and welfare support, hay and water deliveries and on-site assistance through Rural Aid’s Farm Army volunteer programme.
Mr. Warlters said the effects of hurricanes often extend well beyond the immediate event.
“Damage to fences, water systems and pasture can take months to repair,” he said.
“Our mission is to stand with farmers throughout the immediate crisis and on the long road to recovery.”
Farmers in the Kimberley are encouraged to register for assistance at faa.ruralaid.org.au or by calling 1300 327 624.
