We’ve welcomed the Federal Government’s Disaster Recovery Allowance for those impacted by the Grampians National Park and Macedon Ranges bushfires and is praising local communities and farmers for heeding warnings ahead of the blazes.
VFF President Brett Hosking said while farming impact assessments are still underway, early indications suggest many farmers took early action well before the bushfires took hold.
“Early indications suggest widespread stock losses have been kept to a minimum, with the majority of farm impacts being shed losses, destroyed fencing and burnt pastures.”
“I want to stress impact assessments are still underway, but at this stage it looks as though communities have heeded the warnings and prepared in the days before the worst fire conditions arrived.”
“I would like to extend a huge thank you to the emergency services helping to keep our communities safe and the farmers that took measures to prepare their farms before the fire arrived.”
“For those who have been impacted it’s devastating and we’re continuing to work with the government to ensure support gets to those who need it. I intend to visit the Grampians region later this week to get a first-hand look at the damage and hear directly from impacted members.”
“It never ceases to amaze me how the community pulls together in times like these, especially the truck drivers and companies who are delivering fodder to burnt out farmers off their own back. I’ll be raising with decision makers the potential of government assisted subsidies to support these drivers to continue their vital work,” Mr Hosking said.
For those wishing to lend a helping hand, the VFF’s Disaster Relief Fund is taking monetary donations. The VFF Disaster Relief Fund is an independent charity that assists regional Victorians, including farmers through natural disasters.
“Those wishing to lend a helping hand can donate to the VFF’s Disaster Relief Fund. Donations are tax deductible and go directly to those impacted by the fires,” Mr Hosking said.
People wishing to directly support farmers impacted by bushfire can donate to the registered independent charity, the VFF Disaster Relief Fund online: www.vff.org.au/vffdisasterrelieffund/