Support for farmers severely affected by fires

31/12/03
The State Government has offered assistance to farmers severely affected by the fierce fires in the Tenterden and Bridgetown regions between December 27 and 29.
Premier Geoff Gallop announced that the assistance would be provided in two major ways.
"Where stock needs to be agisted for welfare reasons, the State Government will reimburse the cost of livestock transport," Dr Gallop said.
"In addition, up to $1,000 for financial counselling can also be provided to farming operations significantly affected by the fire."
Access to the financial advice service and information on the how to apply for the livestock transport reimbursement are available through the Farm Business Development hotline on freecall 1800 198 231.
The Premier said eight farms were severely affected in Cranbrook Shire and at least five more in Plantagenet Shire.
"A full assessment of the extent of the damage is expected by the end of the week," he said.
"The current estimate is that about 15,000ha were burnt, with more than 40 farms affected to varying degrees in the Cranbrook Shire.
"There are also preliminary estimates that 25 farming properties in Bridgetown were damaged totalling 4,400ha, with four properties experiencing extensive livestock losses.
"The Department of Agriculture has sent local veterinary officers to the area to assess the animal welfare and stock issues."
The Fire and Emergency Services Authority has provided funding for bulldozers to assist farmers to bury stock killed in the weekend fire. Volunteer firefighters will be working over the next two days to control a small section of the fire and maintain containment lines to stop the blaze spreading on to crops and pastureland.
Dr Gallop said the cost of moving affected stock to agistment would be met where an invoice, certified by the recovery co-ordinator, was provided to the Department of Agriculture.
The Premier said the financial support would be available to farmers where more than 30 per cent of a property was burnt and the shifting of the stock was for animal welfare reasons.
"In addition, the Government will provide up to $1,000 to each significantly affected farmer to seek independent advice from an agricultural consultant who is a member of the Australian Association of Agricultural Consultants (WA Incorporated) or via the Rural Financial Counselling Service," he said.
"This assistance will provide for a consultant to give four hours of consultation and a brief report to assist the farmer plan their business recovery strategy."
Main Roads has put in place a permit system for transporting wider than normal loads of large bales of hay and straw to affected properties.
Dr Gallop said this was in response to requests from farmers in other areas who wanted to donate fodder to affected farmers.
Special permits for over width loads of up to 3.5m could be obtained by contacting Ron Tolliday at the Main Roads Department on 9311 8452.
Meanwhile, the Department of Community Development was moving to set up a 'one-stop shop' in Tenterden, to provide financial assistance and help with getting clothes, bedding, accommodation and counselling support for those feeling traumatised.
Other DCD staff from the Great Southern Region would be working through the local Emergency Management Committees to help co-ordinate recovery.
Premier's office: 9222 9475