Ebor farmers Judy and Gary Elks, left, discussing the impacts of the Bees Nest fire on their property with Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall. 2. Hay bales being loaded onto vehicles for farmers at Ebor Recreation Ground.
Tuesday, 17 September 2019
THE provision of stock fodder and water to landholders devastated by the Bees Nest fire near Ebor will continue this week with Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall announcing more than 700 large bales of hay had already been distributed.
Mr Marshall said the devastating fire had burnt out more than 92,000 hectares of private and public land and that it was one of the largest the region had seen.
“This fire is absolutely devastating for Ebor’s farmers who were already struggling to feed stock due to the drought,” Mr Marshall said.
“The Northern Tablelands Local Land Service (LLS) was quick on the scene and has provided 705 bails large bales of hay to fire stricken farmers so far, as well as multiple truckloads of water for stock.
“What we know is currently 133 individual landholders have been directly impacted by the blaze and I expect that number to rise in coming days as people regain access to properties on the fire ground which were previously inaccessible.
“The LLS has confirmed it will remain stationed at the Ebor Recreation Reserve and continue to provide fodder to landholders throughout this week and I urge farmers who need help feeding livestock to call in and make themselves known.”
Mr Marshall added the true financial loss from the Bees Nest fire won’t be known for some weeks.
“Currently assessors are on the ground undertaking the heartbreaking job of tallying livestock losses,” he said.
“So far 133 animals, mainly cattle, are confirmed deceased with the LLS working with farmers to locate other missing animals and support them with the decision to sell or continue to feed.
“The mental toll this fire has taken on people is absolutely devastating and I urge those who are struggling to speak with LLS staff at the Ebor Recreation Reserve.”
Farmers seeking assistance can contact the Agriculture and Animal Services Hotline on 1800 814 647 to register their request.
Producers are also encouraged to call the hotline to report damage and stock losses, as well as request assistance. Available help includes:
- Emergency stock fodder
- Emergency stock water
- Veterinary assistance
- Stock destruction and burial
- Livestock feeding and management advice
If you need advice to help you make decisions about whether to feed or sell your livestock please contact Local Land Services on 1300 795 299.
For information on personal hardship and distress assistance, contact the Disaster Welfare Assistance Line on 1800 018 444. To apply for a concessional loan, grant or freight subsidy, contact the NSW Rural Assistance Authority on 1800 678 593 or visit www.raa.nsw.gov.au
Further information on disaster assistance is available on the Australian Government’s Disaster Assist website at www.disasterassist.gov.au and the NSW emergency information and response website at www.emergency.nsw.gov.au