Agricultural impact assessment of Sherwood fire continues
The assessment on the impact of stock and other agricultural losses as a result of the Sherwood fire continues.
State Controller for Agricultural and Animal Services, Will Zacharin said assessments so far have identified a total of 41 fire affected properties as Department of Primary Industries and Region SA (PIRSA) officers liaise with affected producers.
“These teams have now been operational since yesterday to assess stock welfare and other agricultural damage,” he said. “At this stage we believe by tomorrow we should have a good picture on what assistance producers are requiring in order to get their businesses up and running again.”
Confirmed livestock losses from the Sherwood fire is currently at 1918 with 78 cattle and 1840 sheep identified.
PIRSA teams are now also providing assistance to producers affected by today’s fire at Keilira also in the state’s South East.
To further assist stock owners with recovery operations, Livestock SA are coordinating requests for agistment and fodder and donations from landowners wishing to help.
Livestock SA President, Joe Keynes said the livestock sector combines together to assist each other following natural disasters such as fires.
“This is an industry that understands very well just how important it is to support their fellow producers to get back on their feet,” he said. “Helping members impacted by the Sherwood fire is a priority for us.”
Livestock owners requiring assistance with fodder, and landowners wishing to donate emergency fodder or agistment, are advised to contact Livestock SA on 8297 2299.
Stock owners needing urgent assistance to locate, inspect, assess and dispose of burnt livestock are also encouraged to contact PIRSA’s Stock Assessment Hotline on 1800 255 556.
More bushfire-related information for primary producers is available on PIRSA’s website at www.pir.sa.gov.au
CONTACTS:
Fontella Koleff, PIRSA, Senior Communications Adviser – 0484 335 578 E: fontella.koleff2@sa.gov.au
Andrew Curtis, Livestock SA, CEO – P: 0419 037 569 E: acurtis@livestocksa.org.au