Kimberley Pilbara Cattlemen’s Association and Rural Aid launch new fundraising drive for WA flood victims

A new fundraising drive for pastoralists in WA’s flood-ravaged Kimberley has received a $20,000 kick-start thanks to matching donations from agribusiness giants Nutrien Ag Solutions and Elders. The Kimberley Pastoralist Flood Relief was officially launched on January 30 by the Kimberley Pilbara Cattlemen’s Association and regional charity Rural Aid. Nutrien west region manager Andrew Duperouzel said many of the company’s clients had been impacted by the once-in-a-century floods, which have been labelled the worst in WA’s history. “The clean-up, repair and rebuild work ahead for flood-affected communities will present challenges given the remote location and shortage of labour in this area,” he said. “Nutrien is proud to offer our support through this donation and other practical relief measures with our teams on the ground to help our farmers and their communities.” Elders chief executive and managing director Mark Allison said the company’s staff in Derby and Broome were working closely with clients and pastoralists affected by the flooding. “Elders has donated close to $100,000 to support flood-affected communities through Rural Aid in the past 12 months and are committed to supporting the campaign with an initial $10,000 donation,” he said. “I will personally be travelling to Broome in early March to view the effects of the flood and hopefully meet key clients to discuss ways that Elders can further support them, and the Kimberley communities, in and around Fitzroy Crossing.” Ex-tropical cyclone Ellie dumped up to 800mm of rain in a week on Fitzroy River catchments in early January, causing major flooding from Fitzroy Crossing to Broome. The flooding — which caused catastrophic damage to cattle stations, homes, and towns, as well as the partial collapse of the Fitzroy River Bridge — exceeded previous water levels by more than two metres. Properties including Yeeda Station, about 50km south of Derby, were left battling up to 40km of flood frontage. KPCA chief executive Mick Sheehy estimated the loss of livestock would be in the tens of thousands. “Thousands of kilometres of fencing has been washed away, along with yards, roads and equipment,” he said. “Add to that the stock loss, the damage to property and repair costs, the clean-up job required, plus the future impact on livelihood and cash flow — it’s going to be tough times ahead for many of our producers. “And with more rain forecast for this coming week, the true impact of this wet season is still to be realised.” Rural Aid CEO John Warlters said the charity would provide financial assistance and mental health counselling to affected pastoralists. “We know how important rapid access to both are at this early stage when the extent of losses are being assessed, but producers are determined to pick up the pieces,” he said. “These pastoralists have put decades of hard work into their cattle, only to have their herds potentially decimated by a flood of unprecedented proportions.” Mr Sheehy thanked Nutrien, Elders and Rural Aid. “When times are tough, the pastoral industry comes together and supports each other. It’s one of the things we do best,” he said. “I strongly encourage those that have been impacted to reach out to Rural Aid for both financial and mental health support. It’s tough times ahead, but you don’t have to face it alone.” Rural Aid and the KPCA have set a fundraising target of $750,000 target. Visit hub.givar.com/connect/org/RuralAid/campaigns/kimberley-pastoralist-flood-relief to donate.