The increasing need for fencing material is becoming more urgent as BlazeAid volunteers continue stripping out old fence lines destroyed by the Sir Ivan Fire.
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The estimated 6000 kilometres of fencing requiring replacement throughout the Warrumbungle region is far from being met despite generous donations of supplies and funding.
BlazeAid coordinator Laurie Dawson said he can’t stress enough the need for materials at this stage of the recovery process.
“It is estimated $15 million worth of fencing was destroyed,” he said.
“The property owners haven’t budgeted for that, they just can’t afford all the materials.
“There’s been some tremendous donations – the CWA have donated over $100,000 toward fencing materials, there’s donations coming in from Rotary clubs, individuals, mining companies, all sorts of people – but even then it makes a very small dent in the $15 million.”
Fencing materials can be donated at the Dunedoo Showgrounds where it will go on to be distributed across the fire ground.
Mr Dawson is also calling on more volunteers to join the BlazeAid crew that currently boasts upward of 50 people.
He said nine teams totaling 42 people were out in the field on Friday, while a further eight manned the kitchen, administration and maintenance back at the base in Dunedoo.
“We’re always looking for volunteers,” Mr Dawson said.
“At the moment it’s mainly stripping out old fence lines, cleaning up the mess, and doing a little bit of new work helping rebuild new fences.”
Further efforts to help fire-affected farmers back on their feet will be held at Cassilis, Coolah and Dunedoo next week.
Three post-fire workshops will be run by Local Land Services (LLS) and the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) on March 7, 8 and 9.
Landholders and communities affected by the recent fires are encouraged to attend where they will be given access to information and support available to assist them in recovering from the fires.
Discussion topics will include information on financial and other assistance available to landholders, livestock health and nuturition advice and suggestions and pasture management post fires.
The Cassilis workshop will be held on Tuesday, Marcy 7 from 9am at the Community Hall; the Coolah meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 8 at 1pm at the Coolah Central School; and Dunedoo on Thursday, Marcy 9 from 9am at the Dunedoo Bowling Club.
For more information or to register contact Sarah Giblin on 02 6540 2400 or sarah.giblin@lls.nsw.gov.au