Fodder support to bushfire affected livestock producers continues to grow with more than 2,000 tonnes of hay distributed across Kangaroo Island and Cudlee Creek.
Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Tim Whetstone said generous fodder donations continue to flood in from across the state from the Eyre Peninsula to the Mallee.
“The Marshall Government has been working closely with Livestock SA to get more than 2,000 tonnes of donated hay to feed livestock from properties affected by fires on Kangaroo Island, the Adelaide Hills and the South East,” said Minister Whetstone.
“Recognising the importance of getting hay to farmers on Kangaroo Island as quickly as possible, we are providing $120,000 to pay the cost of transporting donated fodder on the ferry from the drop off point at Cape Jervis to Penneshaw.
“The Oakbank fodder drop in the Adelaide Hills has now closed with more than 1,000 tonnes distributed, and fodder supplies are still continuing to Kangaroo Island with more than 600 tonnes, or 33 truckloads, going direct to the farm gate.
“The Australian Defence Force has also played an important role in assisting distributing the fodder across the island.
“Getting fodder as quickly as possible to the fire affected regions has been a critical priority for both the State Government and Livestock SA and I would like to thank producers and other organisations who have either donated fodder and/or transport services to support this recovery effort.”
The Government have in place Family and Business support case managers to help farmers, farming families and regional businesses on the Island by travelling to farms and connecting people with support measures.
Chief Executive Officer of Livestock SA, Andrew Curtis said the Cape Jervis depot remains open for donations and is being used as the staging post for delivery for affected properties on Kangaroo Island.
“Already nearly 1,000 tonne has been donated to the Cape Jervis depot,” said Mr Curtis.
“Since opening the initial depot for Cudlee Creek producers at Oakbank Racecourse last month we have been inundated with messages from across the state wanting to assist.
“Members of the public remain welcome to donate fodder or volunteer to help transport and off-load deliveries at the Cape Jervis depot. We are also still on the lookout for people who can provide agistment for livestock from the fire-affected areas.
“Assistance either through fodder donations or providing agistment is making a big difference to fire affected producers, giving them one less thing to worry about.
“Currently the Cape Jervis donation depot, located on the corner of Fishery Beach Road and Main South Road, is open by appointment so we can make sure we have someone on hand to unload.”
Livestock producers and owners requiring assistance with fodder and agistment and landowners wishing to donate emergency fodder are advised to contact Livestock SA on 8297 2299. Further information is also available at www.livestocksa.org.au.
Farmers looking to access the FaB Support Program can either email at [email protected], call the Recovery hotline on 1800 931 314 or visit the PIRSA website at www.pir.sa.gov.au/fab_support.
