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Brumby Rules Out Fencing Help For Burnt-Out FarmersThe Bracks Government has ruled out providing assistance to farmers struggling to replace their boundary fencing destroyed by bushfires, Shadow Minister for Country Victoria Philip Davis said today. By Phillip Davis - 10th February 2006 - Back to News Unwilling to consider the burden farmers have borne since the January bushfires which originated on Crown land, Minister for State and Regional Development John Brumby has shown little compassion for farmers doing it tough.
Mr Brumby told ABC regional radio today the Bracks Government would provide little more than lip service to requests from the Victorian Farmers Federation to assist farmers replace boundary fencing.
"We do now make a minor contribution which is the insurance excess for fences that are insured, but we still say it is fundamentally the farmer's responsibility. So, I know the VFF is putting submissions to us on this, we'll have a look at those, but if you're asking me do I see any change in policy, I don't see a change in policy." – ABC Gippsland, 9 February 2006
Mr Davis condemned Minister Brumby’s attitude.
"In typical Labor Government fashion, John Brumby has been happy to tour the bushfire ravaged areas, have his photo taken and told the media how devastating these fires have been," Mr Davis said.
"But when push comes to shove, John Brumby has backed away quietly, putting all responsibility back onto the farmers to replace these boundary fences, which were shared with land owned by the Crown.
"In contrast, the Liberal Party visited the bushfire regions a number of times, met with affected farmers and communities, and developed a clear plan to provide assistance under a Liberal Government.
"A Liberal Government will not abandon farmers.
"A Liberal Government will contribute half the cost of constructing and repairing a dividing fence between private property and Crown Land if it is destroyed by fire.
"There will also be compensation options available for private landholders whose property is used for firebreaks or backburning.
"The Liberal Party’s plan to support communities into the future also involves the development of a Natural Disaster Assistance Unit, which will plan emergency assistance and recovery plans in advance.
"Communities devastated by natural disasters need assistance immediately, not after a taskforce has been appointed to ‘look into it’. The Liberals’ Natural Disaster Assistance Unit will do just that."
Mr Davis urged John Brumby to consider the plight of farmers struggling to recover from the bushfires and shed his arrogance in simply stating it is the farmer’s responsibility to bare all of the cost.
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com
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