Counting the cost of the Sir Ivan fire | Photos
Paula Palmer, "Wongalea", Vinegaroy Road, Cassilis, lost 99.8 per cent of her property to the fire, including nearly 500 sheep. Her home was saved by her neighbours.
The bush fire tore up Vinegaroy Road toward the township of Cassilis on Sunday, February 12. Photos: Jessie Davies
More than 5,700 kilometres of fencing will need to be replaced in the Cassilis/Dunedoo/Coolah area.
This week dozens of Telstra vans are dotted throughout the district restoring telecommunications infrastructure. This van is pictured working alongside the Golden Highway.
A town hall meeting was held in Cassilis yesterday, February 19, where landholders and community members had their chance to ask the NSW Rural Fire Service about the tactics they used to fight the fire. Multiple angry landholders said the RFS took a "hands off" approach, saying they were left to defend their own properties without assistance. On Sunday, February 12, the RFS directed all firefighters to seek safe ground due to the intensity of the fire.
Volunteer firefighters and Cassilis locals Suzanne Bibby and Shane Rawlinson have worked tirelessly during the past week.
The front yard of "Wongalea" on Vinegaroy Road near Cassilis.
Paula Palmer, "Wongalea", Cassilis, stands on a stack of hay generously donated by farmers from other districts. The Palmer family received four semi-trailer loads of hay plus 150 small bales of horse hay this week. She thanked all donors for their contributions, saying had been "bowled over" by the outpouring of support.
Stock feeding on grain and hay alongside the Golden Highway.
The Fergusson family's Moreton Bay properties, east of Dunedoo, were hit hard by the fire.
Where it all began - Sir Ivan Doughety Drive, Leadville.
Critters of all shapes and sizes were destroyed by the blaze. This kangaroo was spotted on Black Stump Way.
This home on Black Stump Way, east of Dunedoo, was destroyed by the fire along with 34 others in the district.
Charred paddocks line Black Stump Way on the way to Coolah from Dunedoo.
This sign belongs to the Knyvett family of "Broombee", Leadville. Passers-by can see the sign as clear as day as they drive past.
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IT’S been more than a week since the Sir Ivan fire raged through the Warrumbungle Shire.
But it’s only now the full extent of the destruction has been counted.
The NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) has completed its assessment of the area and has confirmed 35 homes were destroyed, some of which occurred during the catastrophic fire conditions that weekend.
Another 11 homes were damaged, a church and a community hall both destroyed, while 131 outbuildings were also destroyed and another 42 damaged.
Stock losses were also great with the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) reporting approximately 5056 livestock and animals have been confirmed deceased or destroyed, with sheep the highest impacted.
Another 445 livestock and animals are still missing.
A DPI spokesman said it was estimated at least 138 properties had been partially or totally impacted, with approximately 5700 kilometres of fencing damaged.
“The fires have also caused significant damage to farming equipment and infrastructure, dryland agriculture and rangeland grazing enterprises,” the spokesman said.
DPI and Local Land Services (LLS) veterinary officers and biosecurity staff are on the ground assisting primary producers with animal welfare-related issues.
While the community is left reeling there has been hope – across the state farmers have banded together to share what they could to help those in need.
Hay runs have been organised in double quick time, with hay coming from Tamworth, Cootamundra, the Hunter Valley and further afield.
Appeals were set up to donate money and stock – and people weren’t shy in coming forward to see what they could do.
The Country Women’s Association stepped in with a commitment of up to $50,000 from its Disaster Relief fund, to assist the victims of the Sir Ivan fire with their immediate needs.
The NSW DPI said primary producers needing assistance with emergency fodder, livestock assessment or emergency stock water should call 1800 814 647.
Eligible primary producers affected by the recent devastating bush fires can now apply for assistance under the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA).
To apply for a concessional loan or freight subsidy, contact the NSW Rural Assistance Authority on 1800 678 593 or visit www.raa.nsw.gov.au
National Australian Bank (NAB), ANZ and Rabobank have also stepped in with various offers.
Farmer searching for missing horses
Only four weeks ago, The Land wrote about Rob Lennon and his family's certified organic property “Gundooee”, near Dunedoo.
In the Sir Ivan fire, the property's pastures were completely burned out and, today, Mr Lennon is doing a stock-take of his Wagyu cattle.
"We saved the house and sheds and we think all the cattle but we still aren't sure," Mr Lennon said.
“However, we still don't know where my daughter's two horses - Ben and Anna - are or even if they are dead or alive.
"If anyone knows their whereabouts please call me on 0429 750 350 and we will collect them.
"We are very grateful for all the support we have received which helps us to rebuild what has been destroyed.”
