Fire-affected farmers are set to receive at least 1000 bales of hay in the coming weeks after Dubbo-based Transforce Logistics joined forces with Rural Aid and the Buy a Bale program.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
More than 55,000 hectares has been burned in the Leadville, Uarbry and Cassilis areas south of Coolah in the Sir Ivan fire, which burned for almost a week before firefighters brought it under control on Thursday evening.
It has also been estimated as much as 5700 kilometres of fencing may have been damaged, with at least 430 sheep and 55 cattle deceased or destroyed. 325 goats, 20 dogs and three alpacas have also died.
Rural Aid CEO Charles Alder and wife Tracy are set to visit affected areas this weekend, with Transforce to begin deliveries when farmers are ready to receive them.
“Those who’ve got animals will be able to use it to keep them alive, we hope, but we’ve also got to look at water and what other resources these farmers need to maximise it and minimise the wastage,” Mr Alder said.
“I mean, it’s a precious resource. We don’t want to have it wasted so we’re working with the other community groups in the area to get them water and whatever else the farmers need and there’s a lot of fencing that has got to be done to keep the animals in so that’s a big job as well.”
We feel for these guys and girls ... Carrying the hay was the least we could do to help them out.
- Steve Fieldus
The hay will be moved from Tottenham, where farmer Mick has donated 600 large rounds to the cause.
“We feel for these guys and girls,” Transforce Logistics owner Steve Fieldus said.
“Drought, fire, flood, it's just one event after the other. Carrying the hay was the least we could do to help them out.”
Mr Alder said Rural Aid wanted to thank everybody for their support.
“We’d like to thank Transforce for coming on board and helping us move the hay,” he said.
“Mick for donating 600 large rounds which I’m sure is going to put smiles on people’s faces and just everyday Australians who are continuing to support our campaign to support our farmers.”
Food vouchers, accommodation and fuel vouchers will also be distributed to those who have been affected.
Donations to support fire affected farmers can be made by visiting www.ruralaid.org.au
Tradies and volunteers interested in helping rebuild are invited to visit www.farmrescue.com.au