Sophie lobbying hard for fire affected communities in the North-East

17-February-2009

Federal Liberal Member for Indi, Sophie Mirabella MP has written to and spoken personally with Agriculture Minister the Hon. Tony Burke and implored him to do more for fire-affected communities in our local area.

“The devastation throughout areas in our community is obvious and far reaching. I have taken the concerns of our local farmers right to the top of the Labor Minister’s in tray,” Mrs Mirabella said.

“I have made it crystal clear to the Minister that Indi is feeling the affects of the fire that is still burning south of Beechworth. We have lost homes, sheds, fences, livestock, machinery and fodder.”

FUEL SUBSIDY:
“I have asked the Federal Government to immediately establish a freight subsidy for the transportation of livestock and feed for fire affected communities,” Mrs Mirabella said.

FENCING:
“The Government must give serious consideration to providing significant financial assistance to repair fencing that divides private property and public land. We have experienced the lack of cooperation by the State Government after previous fires.”

“It is essential the Rudd Government liaise with their State Labor counterparts to ensure the Victorian Government pays its fair share.”

“If the Victorian Labor Government refuses to cooperate in this vitally important matter, then the onus is on the Rudd Government to step in,” Mrs Mirabella said.

WATER:
“When it comes to water, Victorian farmers have had it tough. Many have had water taken from their dams to fight fires and should be compensated.” Mrs Mirabella said.

“This tragedy will go down in history as our worst natural diaster. The immediate response from Government needs to recognise this and be of that scale. I will continue to explore every avenue to assist locals and our fire affected communities,” Mrs Mirabella concluded.