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Drought Chair Calls for Urgent Investigation

Cr Malcolm Hole, Chair of the Wellington Drought Co-ordination Committee, has called for an urgent investigation into the potential for crown land to provide emergency fodder.

By Wellington Shire Council - 19th January 2007 - Back to News

"Farmers are struggling to find feed for their stock and we need to look at every option for local supplies," said Cr Hole.

"These options include the need to investigate how much feed there may be on crown lands, and if substantial the government should then consider allowing farmers access to this growth to keep breeding stock viable."

Cr Hole acknowledged that the fodder on crown lands was probably limited and could not feed all stock in the area for any length of time.

"It is critical that farmers have help to at least retain their breeding stock so that we have some hope of rebuilding herds after the drought.

Cr Hole wants to establish a list of crown lands which have high levels of growth which may be suitable for grazing or cut fodder.

"I want the public to call if they know of any crown land, whether it be roadsides, unused ovals or reserves, or riversides which have good growth that could be used for feed.

"If substantial, I will present this list to the state government and ask for special consideration to help feed breeding stock," said Cr Hole.

Any one who can positively identify crown land with good feed coverage is asked to phone Mark Vitlin on 5142 3458, who will pass the information to Cr Hole.

The Wellington Drought Co-ordination Committee is a group of representatives from farming, welfare and government organisations which meets for the exchange of information on drought related activities and needs in the Wellington Shire.

"This group is doing a terrific job locally and I can’t praise them enough," said Cr Hole.

"The state government has also provided good support through local work programs, but the real need is for fodder and we need the state to consider this potential measure as quickly as possible," said Cr Hole.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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