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The Australian Defence Force continues its important work supporting emergency services with on the ground assistance to bushfire affected communities.
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Minister for Defence Linda Reynolds and Minister for Agriculture Bridget McKenzie said it was important stock disposal began as quickly as possible to reduce the risk of contamination and disease, as well as to relieve a burden from the shoulders of farmers already stretched to capacity.
This support will now extend to the essential task of livestock disposal in areas most severely affected.
Minister Reynolds said Australian Defence Force members were well placed to help with the task after their experiences in responding to the north Queensland floods.
"The loss of livestock is terrible and Defence is working with state authorities to bury the carcasses as quickly as possible."
Minister Reynolds added, "Like all emergency response efforts, the priority is providing support where the need is most critical, and where the ADF’s unique capabilities are best suited.
"The Australian Defence Force is not here to take jobs away from local contractors. We will only step in when they’re not available at the request of state authorities."
Minister McKenzie reinforced the importance of Defence's contribution to drought and fire relief.
"The size of the task is still being assessed but we expect the volume of stock losses to vary across fire affected regions and within regions. The situation is likely to be beyond our local farmers and some local government areas who currently have their resources deployed to battle these devastating fires," Minister McKenzie said.
"Our farmers are also our volunteer firefighters – by day they’ve been protecting their homes and farms only to don the uniform and protect their community by night. Their efforts are heroic but they’re not superhuman and they deserve our assistance after the days and weeks they have put in."
Farmers who need assistance with assessing or disposing of livestock disposal should contact their relevant state agency.
Stephen Kuper
Steve has an extensive career across government, defence industry and advocacy, having previously worked for cabinet ministers at both Federal and State levels.
