Natural Disaster Assistance for Bundarra region farmers

Member for Northern Tablelands Richard Torbay has welcomed the state government’s quick response to his call for Natural Disaster Assistance for farmers affected by bushfires west of Bundarra.
He met with the farmers and representatives of Gwydir Shire Council in Bingara on Monday and made immediate representations to the government for the declaration.
“On top of one of the most severe droughts on record the fires have caused so much damage to properties in the affected area,” Mr Torbay said.
“I am pleased the government has responded so quickly to our call for a natural disaster declaration to assist farming families get back on their feet.”
In the last week the devastating fires have burnt out 300kms of fencing, 12,984 hectares of pastures, three farm sheds and four kilometres of farm watering systems
The fire damage in the affected area between Barraba, Bingara and Bundarra over the last week is estimated at almost $6 million.
Disaster assistance provides farmers in with loans of up to $130,000 at 2.6 per cent a year with a two year moratorium on interest and repayment. It covers property, infrastructure, pasture and crop losses.
Mr Torbay also welcomed the announcement of disaster assistance for farmers affected by the Tenterfield hailstorm on November 5.
The storm inflicted more than $300,000 damage in the Bungalla, Bluff Rock and Sandy Flat areas
mainly at a large orchard employing 20 people where almost 90% of the crop was lost and tree damage has been estimated to reduce next year’s crop by 30%.
The Assistance will also extend to those affected by the Tingha fires on 18-21 November18-21 where
2,600 hectares of farmland south of Inverell were burnt out causing $250,000 damage to
pastures, 30 kilometres of fencing, electric fencing, hay sheds, stock yards and livestock.
Further information on disaster relief is available through the Rural Assistance Authority on 1800 678 593.