Bushfire farm grants of $75,000 'a start' but won't go far in 'mammoth task' to rebuild amid fodder shortage
ABCTen weeks ago, David and Carolyn Duff lost 30 years worth of infrastructure in a bushfire at their Toorooka property west of Kempsey on the NSW Mid North Coast. Key points: Some farmers are spending $12,000 a week on fodder to keep their animals alive They are concerned the $75,000 bushfire grant, while appreciated, will not be enough Farmers were already struggling with drought before the fires, with concerns many dairy farmers, in particular, will not survive in the industry "We've been feeding cattle on this property and we're going through a semi-trailer load of hay a week — approximately $10,000 to $12,000 per semi," Mr Duff said. "The paperwork and the red tape that's involved in accessing RAA money, I mean we applied for it back in August and we still haven't received anything," Mr Duff said. "All we're doing is spending it because we're trying to put the feathers back on the duck after it's been plucked, so we've got to start again," Mr Duff said. "Half my day is taken up by just feeding here on this one property — there are another two properties that we have to feed as well, so it's a big challenge," Mr Duff said.
History of this topic
Bushfire recovery grant snub for Sarsfield, Wairewa, Ensay refuges at heart of Victoria's Black Summer
ABCBushfire recovery funds 'inappropriately' given to agriculture, equine projects in Wingecarribee shire, review finds
ABCBushfire relief funding is so complex, professional grant writers are being hired to help communities apply
ABCBushfire donations topped $282 million between three major charities — almost half's still in the bank
ABCBushfire anger intensifies as NSW Ministers claim charities stockpiling cash meant for victims
ABCBushfire financial aid 'a slap in the face' as family receives $1,280 after their Wytaliba home burned down
ABCFarmers to gain access to $75,000 grants to help with bushfire recovery
ABCBushfire support from Federal Government with $76 million for mental health services for victims
ABCAustralian bushfire donations from big business worth millions but charities warn long-term assistance needed
ABC
Mining billionaire Andrew Forrest pledges $70 MILLION to bushfire relief
Daily MailBushfire recovery costs start at $2 billion but Government assistance can't pay the bills
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