A week after devastating bushfires which burnt through the Boggabri,
Leadville and Uarbry areas in the bottom eastern pocket of the Parkes
electorate, the Federal Member Mark Coulton has reiterated calls for further assistance
for the region.
After visiting and speaking with affected farmers on the
ground, Mr Coulton said it would not be hard to understand how some property
owners would consider walking away after losing everything.
“I spoke with property owners who have lost their homes,
sheds, farming equipment and fences but worst of all, they have lost their
stock and their livelihoods” Mr Coulton said.
Catastrophic fires burnt out around 50,000 hectares near
Dunedoo on Sunday 12th February after days of scorching temperatures
culminated in an out of control fire that swept along the Golden Highway
destroying everything in its path.
“Disaster assistance has already been made available for
affected communities through the jointly-funded Commonwealth-State Natural
Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA)” Mr Coulton said.
However, Mr Coulton said he was lobbying hard for farmers to
receive low interest loans that would assist them to replace fences and restock
their properties and work toward earning a living again.
Mr Coulton commended the affected communities for their
rapid response to the fires, particularly firefighters and volunteers, service
clubs and Councils which have all been working hard to provide as much
assistance as possible.
“Essential Energy and Telstra workers also deserve praise
for their efforts to work non-stop to repair electricity and communication
lines” Mr Coulton said.
Mr Coulton encouraged those who feel they are able, to
donate to the Warrumbungle Shire Council Mayor’s Bushfire Appeal. Details on
how to donate are available on the Council’s website www.warrumbungle.nsw.gov.au