AN award-winning farming operation near Millicent faces a repair bill of up to $100,000 after vandals targeted a bulldozer on its remote rural property.
Mayura Station has been left to foot the bill of the senseless attack which caused extensive damage to the Komatsu bulldozer’s hydraulics.
Police are yet to lay any charges over the incident, believed to have occured in the early hours of January 24 at a Hanns Road property.
Hungry for justice, Mayura Station owner Scott deBruin has offered a meal for two at The Tasting Room steak restaurant for information which will identify the offenders.
Millicent police officer Sergeant Derek Long estimated the repair bill to be between $10,000 and $100,000, depending on the extent of damage.
Mr deBruin said it was the first time Mayura Station had suffered vandalism of this scale in almost 15 years as manager.
He said the vandalism was discovered by an employee on the morning of January 24.
“Like other farmers, we experience the odd theft of low value items,” Mr de Bruin said.
“The repairs to the bulldozer will come at a huge cost.
“It is certainly well past the $10,000 figure.
“You are talking about replacing the hydraulic pumps and dismantling a 40-tonne machine.
“It is currently in the repair workshop in Mount Gambier.”
He said the bulldozer was used at Mayura Station for such paddock development tasks as deep ripping.
“I bought the bulldozer second-hand.
“They currently sell for between $300,000 and $600,000.”
Mayura Station dates back to 1845 and was the home of pioneer Millicent Glen (nee Short) after whom the township of Millicent was named.
Persons are asked to contact the Millicent Police with any information or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
