If you’re a landholder you should ensure you have a plan to manage and protect your livestock and animals in the event of a bush fire. Being prepared can help you protect yourself, your livestock and your property.

If you have to leave quickly, you will need to leave your livestock on the property. To give them the best chance for survival you should have a designated ‘safe paddock’ prepared in the event a bush fire should occur. Ideally:

·       livestock should be moved to an eaten-out paddock, irrigated pasture or bare yards with a cleared or ploughed perimeter

·       sheep should be moved to a low risk paddock or confined area such as sheep yards surrounded by a bare area, and be moved early

·       horses should be transported off the property early or agisted if they can’t be kept safe during  bush fire season.

·       care should be taken with horses so they are not locked in an area where they may panic and hurt themselves. A large sand yard is suitable if there are no flammable buildings or vegetation nearby

·       livestock should be easily identifiable in the event fences are destroyed and stock escape.

In periods of very high fire danger rating, keep up to date with Rural Fire Service advice. Monitor the weather, familiarise yourself with the Rural Fire Service’s fire danger ratings and bush fire alert levels and be aware of fire bans and restrictions. You can also download useful apps, such MyFirePlan, Fires Near Me and Live Traffic NSW.

Bush fire survival plan templates are available from the NSW Rural Fire Service.

We can assist landholders to plan and prepare for fires and other natural disasters in order to protect livestock. Contact us for advice and assistance.

Upcoming events

·       Volunteer planting day – 19 Feb, Kooragang Wetlands, Ash Island

·       Whole farm planning workshop – 9-10 March, Manning Great Lakes

1300 795 299

www.hunter.lls.nsw.gov.au