Many hands mend fences after fire

LAST weekend, local community groups, friends and family members volunteered their time to clear burnt fences in the Walpa, Finger Boards, Fernbank and Glenaladale area of East Gippsland, in preparation for private contractors to begin erecting boundary fences this week.

They were helping farmers affected by the Mt Ray-Glenaladale fire that swept through the communities on Sunday, February 9.

Jason Stephenson was clearing burnt fences last Saturday on his property at The Fingerboards, in preparation for a private contractor to begin erecting new fences on Monday.

He was assisted by a large group of family and friends, some who travelled from as far afield as Tostaree and others as close as Bairnsdale and Lindenow South.

Mr Stephenson lost all the pasture on his 202ha farm, 7km of boundary fencing, as well as internal fencing and, of his stock, 65 Dorper ewes were burnt or had to be destroyed in the fire's aftermath.

His remaining ewes and cows and calves are now on agistment.

Volunteers from the Mt Taylor rural fire brigade and friends were working last weekend to clear burnt fences on Geoff and Lyn Johnstons farm (see Stock & Land, February 13).

On John and Ruth Mortons farm, ex-residents and friends were clearing fences and cutting strainer and fence posts last weekend.

Teams have been working throughout this week to clear burnt fences in the district, as private fencing contractors begin work today.

Local farmers have donated hay and silage to help those whos properties were burnt out in the fire.

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Many hands mend fences after fire