TFGA co-ordinates farm bushfire response Farmers’ hotline 1800 154 111

The Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association (TFGA) has activated special arrangements for bushfire recovery assistance to farmers.

The TFGA is co-ordinating both requests for help and offers of assistance to farmers through the TFGA’s special hotline number 1800 154 111.

TFGA chief executive Jan Davis said association staff and volunteers are attempting to match donations and offers of assistance.

“The support and overwhelming generosity of Tasmanians and other Australians to the plight of affected farmers has been amazing.”

“The bushfires are not over yet and we are still making a detailed assessment of the damage to Tasmanian farms,” she said.

“We are trying to contact affected farmers directly, but it is not always possible. They are encouraged to call us so we can work with them to assess their needs – both today and into the coming weeks. Specific secure depot points have been organised across the state for materials to be left and then matched with farmers’ needs.”

Ms Davis said priority requirements include:

• fodder
• fencing materials
• generators
• portable yards
• livestock crates for transport
• agistment for stock

“Farmers will also need volunteers, now and in the coming weeks, to help with fencing, loading, clearing up and stock work.

“Transport is important too for moving fodder and supplies. Many of the transport companies that work in our sector have been extraordinarily generous – and that is appreciated. But we’ll need to support them (and others) with funds for fuel.

Ms Davis said donations of money specifically for farmers would be especially helpful.

Donations for farm specific activities can be made to a special TFGA account (BSB: 037-608, account number 52-7272 or by credit card or cheque.)

Information on the TFGA website includes useful contacts, FAQs, fact sheets and other relevant information. This includes links to the care of animals affected by bushfires. (Visit www.tfga.com.au, and click on the link bushfire at the bottom of the front page.)

The TFGA hotline number 1800 154 111 operates in Tasmania. People can also call on 03 6332 1800 or email: info@tfga.com.au.
TFGA chief executive Jan Davis