Farmers who lost fences and stock in the catastrophic fires near Dunedoo earlier this month should get low-interest loans to help them recover, argues federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton.
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He reports of “lobbying hard” for the loans that could help victims of the fires make progress “toward earning a living again”.
The catastrophic fires ravaged 50,000 hectares of land near Dunedoo on Sunday, February 12, after days of scorching temperatures.
Disaster assistance has been made available to affected communities, including Leadville and Uarbry, through the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements funded by the federal and state governments.
After visiting farmers “on the ground”, Mr Coulton understood why “some property owners would consider walking away after losing everything”.
“I spoke with hardened property owners who have lost their homes, sheds, farming equipment and fences, but worst of all they have lost their stock and their livelihoods,” he said.
The talks prompted Mr Coulton’s efforts to get “further assistance for the region” in the form of the low-interest loans.
At the same time he is commending the affected communities for their rapid response to the fires, particularly firefighters and volunteers, service clubs and councils which had “all been working hard to provide as much assistance as possible”.
“Essential Energy and Telstra workers also deserve praise for their efforts to work non-stop to repair electricity and communication lines,” Mr Coulton said.
Mr Coulton is encouraging donations when possible to the Warrumbungle Shire Council Mayor’s Bushfire Appeal.
Details on how to donate are available at www.warrumbungle.nsw.gov.au.
