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Calls for Further Assistance to Support our Bushfire-Affected Farmers

Calls for assistance to communities enduring the devastation of horrific bushfires in East Gippsland and north-east Victoria.

By Portal Admin - 19th January 2020 - Back to News

Our thoughts continue to be with our communities enduring the devastation of horrific bushfires in East Gippsland and north-east Victoria.

The Victorian Government has the full support of the Victorian Liberal Nationals in providing critical support to our farmers and communities affected by these devastating bushfires.

Comment attributable to Leader of the Opposition Michael O’Brien

The devastation facing communities in north-east Victoria and East Gippsland will continue to be front of mind for all Victorians – no matter where we live.

While many communities continue to be at serious risk, the Victorian Liberal Nationals support temporary emergency measures being implemented by the Victorian Government.

Declaring a State of Disaster will better help our emergency services to protect lives and focus firefighting efforts where they are needed most.

I know that Victorians will continue to band together to support our communities in north-east Victoria and East Gippsland with donations of food, clothing and other desperately needed items to help those who have been affected at a time when they need it most.

Once the immediate threat of the fires has passed, support and recovery for affected communities must be the top priority of government.

Comment attributable to Leader of The Nationals and Shadow Minister for Agriculture Peter Walsh

The Victorian Farmers Federation and community groups have mobilised to urgently provide desperately-needed fodder to help our farmers who have lost so much.

Our farmers who have already been affected by bushfire, and those still facing the threat, need our immediate assistance to get fodder in and livestock out to agistment.

The Victorian Government can further alleviate the pressure on our farmers by expanding emergency assistance that’s available.

A freight subsidy for fodder and livestock of up to $6 per kilometre - at an uncapped distance, based on location and reasonable cost of transport - will greatly assist to relieve the financial burden.

Offering an uncapped freight subsidy will ensure farmers can access fodder and get livestock to where agistment, and more reliable access to water, is available in western Victoria and south east South Australia.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: support@gippsland.com