Media Release

KAP Federal Member for Kennedy Bob Katter has joined KAP State Leader Ray Hopper in calling for immediate and ongoing assistance to be given to landholders devastated by fires.

Mr Katter said, “In October last year our spectacular Gulf Country was ablaze with fires. Thousands of acres were burnt out and hundreds of cattle perished in the process.

“Since these fires we have fought hard to get the state and federal government to provide much needed assistance to help feed remaining stock and undertake urgent infrastructure repairs.

“These poor graziers are still waiting for assistance.

“Now we find famers across the country are facing a similar predicament.”

The town of Coonabarabran is the newest addition to the bushfire warpath of central New South Wales. Mr Katter has determined the situation to be of the highest priority.

“Throughout Australia, the impact these fires are having on both the graziers and their livestock is incredibly disastrous.

“Once people see the devastation to the livestock there should be no hesitation in their endorsement of immediate support for these battlers.”

Mr Katter has appealed to Premiers in all affected states to provide immediate assistance.

“The people in the Gulf are suffering. They have already been impacted by the extreme weather conditions, high Aussie dollar and the live export market. The people of Coonabarabran are also reeling from similar effects.

“The government should make no mistake; this devastation could have a lasting economic legacy on the region if urgent assistance isn’t provided.”

Mr Hoppers focus is centred on ensuring the surviving livestock are provided with the support they so desperately need.

“There are 700 head of dead cattle on a property in Coonabarabran – all of which are uninsured.

“Because these cattle were not insured, without urgent assistance, this situation will send the graziers belly-up.

“The surviving cattle need fodder drops immediately and we need the humane destruction of suffering and burnt livestock.”