Fencing assessments commence at fifty fire impacted properties
On-ground assessments to replace or repair fences adjoining public land impacted by the recent bushfires have commenced in the Upper Murray.
Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) staff have assessed more than 50 properties to determine how much fencing is required for landholders.
“It is estimated that 350 kilometres of boundary fencing adjoining public land has been impacted by the fires,” Upper Murray District Manager, Dave Jenson said.
“We want our local farmers and landholders to get back on their feet as quickly as possible and completing the on-ground assessments at fire impacted properties is a critical first step.”
The Victorian Government will pay half the cost, up to $5000 per kilometre, for materials to repair or upgrade bushfire-damaged fencing that border either a National Park, State Park or Forest.
“The funding gives farmers the flexibility to not just replace their boundary fences with a standard fence, but to upgrade them, making them fire-resistant with concrete posts and better able to exclude pests such as wild dogs,” Mr Jenson said.
“Once assessments are complete, and landholders have signed a funding deed, they will receive payment within one month.
The Upper Murray fires were started by lighting on 29 December 2019 and burnt approximately 226,000-hectares of public and private land.
“We know that clearing fencing that’s been damaged by fire is backbreaking work. It’s our job to make sure that we are supporting farmers and landowners as they rebuild.”
An assessment of the property and the fence damage must be completed before works are undertaken or any payments can be made.
To arrange an assessment or for further information contact FFMVic on (02) 6071 5359 or email
To find out about other assistance available to landowners please visit: www.vic.gov.au/bushfire-recovery-victoria
