Landowners get re-wired after the fires

MEDIA RELEASE - Landowners get re-wired after the fires

March 2015

The Shire of Manjimup has been working closely with a group of Northcliffe landowners, representing those who have been impacted by the recent O'Sullivan and Unicup bushfires, to organise for over 115km of fencing to be reinstated.

Shire President Wade DeCampo explained that "fencing on 92 rural properties across 56 holdings has been affected by the fire, so of course the logistics around dismantling and reinstating fencing, including the sourcing of material, has been one of the priorities for the business continuity sub-committee during the recovery phase."

Following two meetings with property owners, a proposal from Southern Wire to provide access to fencing materials at a reduced cost was endorsed. This includes the provision of two 'Rapid Fencer' machines, capable of erecting up to 6km of fencing a day. Five Manjimup suppliers have been given the responsibility of managing the orders for fencing material for eligible landowners.

In addition, Blazeaid, a volunteer organisation with a well-known track record of rebuilding fences and other structures in post-disaster areas around Australia, have set-up camp at Northcliffe Recreation Centre. Blazeaid representative Brian Carr will be coordinating volunteers to help out, along with Bunbury Mens Shed who have also bought a group of volunteers to the area. The local community and Manjimup Lions Club are providing support to these volunteers including the preparation of food for them and providing white goods.

To access volunteer assistance, landowners need to complete a form which provides their property details and the nature of the work that is required. Fencing projects will be prioritised according to the extent of perimeter fencing required and whether there is livestock present. A group of approximately six volunteers are allocated to each project and will work under the direction of the individual farmer.

"We're anticipating that there will be volunteers in the region for up to three months, depending on the number of landowners who take up the initiative, and the number of volunteers that come forward," said Cr DeCampo.

Cr DeCampo thanked the volunteers for their time and efforts, saying "again our region is being blessed with the kindness of volunteers, who were instrumemtal during the fire and are proving to be the same in the recovery phase."

To register interest in volunteering or to enquire about fencing assistance contact Brian Carr from Blazeaid on 0488 642 579 / northcliffe.blazeaid@gmail.com or Cedric Bettley from Bunbury Men's Shed on 0419 940 381.

Landowners who have not yet nominated to be eligible for reduced cost fencing are urged to contact Paul Bawden, Recovery Coordinator for the Shire of Manjimup on 9771 7777 or email paul.bawden@manjimup.wa.gov.au

-ENDS-

Authorised by Andrew Campbell, Chief Executive Officer, Shire of Manjimup.

Contact: 9771 7777

Contact for comment: Wade DeCampo, Shire President.

Contact: 0427 094 081

Contact Gina Nieuwendyk, Public Relations Officer, Shire of Manjimup

Contact: 9771 7777 OR 0401 352 991