FARMERS across the Wattle Range Council area have reached out to their fire-ravaged counterparts on Kangaroo Island by backing a hay and fodder drive.
After only a few days of word spreading via the “bush telegraph”, 10 loads are set to leave the mainland and cross Backstairs Passage.
While organisers are pleased with the initial response, they are looking for more donations in cash and kind.
Millicent farmer Sam Croser is coordinating the open-ended appeal.
Mr Croser said the need for hay and fodder would remain a priority for a number of months.
“If farmers want to get involved, perhaps they could have a chat with their neighbours and get together a truck load,” Mr Croser said.
“Smaller loads can be delivered to a central receival point at the property of Brett Gilbertson at Dunns Road at Rendelsham.
“We are also looking for trucks and drivers to get the hay and fodder to the island or via the collection depot at Cape Jervis.
“As a rough estimate, it costs about $500 in fuel to get a truck-load of hay worth $5000 to KI.
“Livestock SA will coordinate the distribution of the hay and fodder.
“The Lions Club of Beachport and Rivoli Bay has come on board and donations can go to their account BSB 065 514 901 300 bushfire reference.
“They will ensure the cash donations are spent on fuel cards.”
Mr Croser is well aware of the devastation on Kangaroo Island as he has been helping out on farms owned by friends.
“They have told me there is a need for fodder and hay,” he said.
“I want to help them.
“I see the drought and fires around Australia and realise we have it good here.
“When I have been talking to locals about this appeal, they often mention the Ash Wednesday fires of 1983 which struck here.
“They talk about the help they received and the great community spirit.”
Mr Croser said he was aware of farmers across the council area already supporting drought relief appeals as well as making donations to the fire relief efforts at Keilira.
Millicent farmer Robert Chant said he was sending his support in two directions.
Mr Chant has donated his time, fuel and B-Double truck to get fodder and hay to Kangaroo Island.
Furthermore, he is sending a truckload of his hay to a drought-affected property at Peterborough.
“It is a farm owned by one of my mates from my boarding school days in Adelaide,” Mr Croser said.
“There is a band between Eudunda and Peterborough which has been in drought for a few years now.
“With all the other drought areas and now these fires, this area has been missing out on attention.”
Wattle Range Council chief executive Ben Gower said measures were under way to support the Kangaroo Island hay and fodder drive with the provision of a truck and driver.
“Regarding the Keilira fires, we have offered assistance to the Kingston District Council,” Mr Gower said.
“We have also promoted the Blaze-Aid re-fencing effort.”
For more information or to donate to the hay and fodder drive, contact Mr Crozer on 0427 366 043.
