The Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association (TFGA) this week begins distributing money to farmers following the January bushfires.
The money comes from two funds: the $100,000 from the bushfire relief fund administered by the state government and more than $100,000 from the TFGA’s Bushfire Donation Fund.
TFGA chief executive Jan Davis said money from the government-administered fund was available to more than 30 landowners who qualified under federal assistance provisions to replace fences destroyed in the fires. Farmers who were eligible for those federal clean up and assistance grants were able to apply for up to $200 per kilometre from the Tasmanian fund.
Ms Davis said money from the separate TFGA fund was being given to a range of people including:
• farmers who qualified under the federal schemes for assistance;
• some farmers affected by bushfires outside the formally declared areas (Sorell, Tasman, Glamorgan-Spring Bay and Central Highlands);
• transporters who helped farmers in the aftermath of the fires.
The TFGA is also holding more than 500 bales of fodder, which is available to affected farmers. They can enquire at the TFGA offices in Launceston (6332 1800).
“I think most people would realise that we had to wait to assess all the applications for assistance to ensure there was equity,” Ms Davis said.
“I know that Tasmanians were shocked at the ferocity of the fires and the havoc they caused. This has been a huge team effort by all concerned and we are pleased to have been a key player in it.”
Jan Davis TFGA
