Donated farm gates ready for Waroona’s fire-affected farmers

Eighty heavy duty galvanised farm gates will be available to fire-affected farmers in the Harvey-Waroona area, following the closure of the WAFarmers Fire Appeal.

The 3.6 metre gates, which were purchased by WAFarmers and Budget Stockfeeds through customer donations, were handed over to the Waroona Farmers Reference Group this morning in anticipation of distribution to farmers in need.

“In the immediate aftermath of the fires, farmers put up wire or fencing to establish boundaries for pasture, but many of them still lack adequate gates five months on,” WAFarmers Chief Executive Officer Stephen Brown said.

“Gates are a critical part of agricultural infrastructure, particularly when dealing with livestock, so the gates will be a welcome and long-awaited addition to many farming properties and will represent a significant milestone in the recovery effort.

“We would like to thank Deb McGrath from Budget Stockfeeds and Brenton Moore from Southern Wire for their time and effort in coordinating the manufacture and delivery of the gates.”

Mr Brown said very significant donations of livestock feed and fodder products, fencing materials and other necessary items were received for use in the recovery process, all of which have been fully distributed to those in need.

“This is an incredible effort, and we would like to thank everyone involved in both the agricultural and non-agricultural industries in making the WAFarmers Fire Appeal successful,” he said.

“In particular, we acknowledge the efforts of Marie Ellis from the Harvey Recovery Group and Donna Walmsley from the Waroona Farmers Reference Group for ensuring that the funds were reached by as many people as possible.

“Though the appeal itself has now closed, we will continue to participate in community rebuilding breakfasts and other local events to support the farmers and their families as they work to restore their livelihoods.”