23/1/98
Transport Minister Eric Charlton said today the State Government would offer free bush timber to farmers affected by the recent devastating fires which swept through the Brookton-Pingelly district.
The offer is for farmers to access left-over bush timber from recent upgrading works on the Brookton Highway east of Perth to replace strainer posts and fence posts wiped out by the fires.
"We have made arrangements with the Conservation and Land Management Department to make the timber available to farmers as part of the State's overall effort to help these rural families get back on their feet," Mr Charlton said.
"Many farmers and their families have suffered greatly and any help the State Government and the community can extend to them will be greatly appreciated.
"The left-over timber was stockpiled when Main Roads upgraded Brookton Highway through sections of State Forest west of Brookton.
"In situations like this CALM manages timber resources on behalf of the State by selling material which can be milled and disposing of other left-overs to the market.
"I am advised that in this case the left-over material may be suitable for fencing purposes and farmers should contact CALM's Mundaring office on 9295 1955 or Mr Brent Higgins at my office on 9321 7333 for further advice."
Mr Charlton said the State Government was also looking at the possibility of giving farmers access to a quantity of railway line which could be used as replacement strainer posts.
Media contact: Doug Cunningham 9321 7333
