The fencing program in it's current form, ceased on Friday, 4th December. This is unfortunate timing because there is still a lot of fencing to be completed.
The initial scope of the program was to assist those properties who are registered with the Department of Primary Industries as full time commercial farmers, who derive their income directly from their land. To date, the vast majority of these properties have had fencing assistance. Whilst we would like to assist all non primary producers who would like a boundary fence, it is difficult for the Government to sponsor such a program.
As suggested in the report in the Express newspaper recently, all fire affected people received money in the form of a grant, some of which could be used for fencing. For this reason, the Government is reluctant to commit further funding to individual areas. In some cases in other fire affected areas, service clubs and other charitable organisations have taken on the role.
I have recently been involved in discussions with various community organisations, as well as State Government representatives, with the hope of recommencing the fencing project next year. As yet, there has been no confirmation. It is a complex project to recommence, due to funding, insurance, equipment loans, contractors and the volunteer time involved. We are in ongoing discussions to address these issues. Given that there is an enormous amount of property owners to inform, I will look at placing any updates on the Callignee website in the future.