BUSHFIRE-affected Upper Hunter landholders sharing a boundary with public land will now be able to access funding to help cover the cost of rebuilding fences.
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The NSW Government has revealed a $209 million package aimed at taking the strain off farmers as the cleanup from the 2019/20 fire season continues.
Under this new program, landholders can claim a $5,000 per kilometre grant for the purchase of materials to rebuild existing fences adjoining public lands damaged by the summer bushfires.
Public lands include national parks, state forests, crown land, travelling stock reserves and all public roads.
Landholders who have already started rebuilding can also receive a backdated payment.
Upper Hunter MP Michael Johnsen welcomed the funding program, which has been named 'Supporting our Neighbours'.
"It is recognition that farmers should be dealt with fairly in the cost of having to replace boundary fencing," he said.
Mr Johnsen said the funding could be used in the Upper Hunter electorate to help rebuild boundary fencing for farmers bordering the Goulburn River National Park or Mount Royal, near Barrington National Park.
"There are a few farmers at Mount Royal that have damage, although it's not as widespread compared to other areas," he added.
Mr Johnsen has been involved in the push to allow selective grazing and logging in all state owned parks for the purposes of hazard reduction, however the coronavirus pandemic has brought that to a halt.
"The grazing issue has not progressed further at this point due to the current COVID-19 situation which is a major focus," he said.
Minister for Agriculture Adam Marshall said the state government will have dedicated boundary fence coordinators working with farmers to identify their needs and ensure the funds flow as soon as possible.
"We're encouraging landholders to use this opportunity to upgrade their fencing bordering public lands and use fire resilient materials wherever possible," he said.
For more information about the program visit www.lls.nsw.gov.au.
Bushfire-affected farmers can apply for the program via 1300 778 080 or online via www.lls.nsw.gov.au