The Governor-General of Australia, David Hurley, recently visited James Neal's dairy farm on Oxley Island near Taree, which has been severely impacted by the 2022 floods. James, a fifth-generation dairy farmer, had only just begun to recover from the 2021 floods. The latest disaster has left him, along with over 100 other milk producers in the region, facing catastrophic losses.
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During the visit, James and fellow farmers Laura and Debbie Paulson described the heartbreaking situation they are in. Hundreds of their cows have been lost to the floodwaters, and many more have had to be sold due to the inability to feed or milk them. The farmland is completely waterlogged and unsuitable for use, and the destruction extends to the point where even their staff's homes on the property have been inundated. The loss of equipment and infrastructure only adds to the already insurmountable challenges they are facing.
The emotional and financial toll on these farmers is immense, and the process of rebuilding their livelihoods is estimated to take years. The Governor-General, after speaking with James and the other affected farmers, conveyed their urgent need for assistance to the public via ABC Mid North Coast.
James' story exemplifies the resilience and determination of Australian farmers, but it also highlights the critical need for support in the aftermath of such natural disasters. As they work tirelessly to recover from these devastating events, the government and local communities must come together to provide the necessary aid to ensure the future of these vital agricultural businesses and the wellbeing of those who rely on them.