The Northern Rivers Times
28 RURAL NEWS
February 22, 2024!!!
BlazeAid Encourages Farmers to Seek Assistance for Fence Repairs Since BlazeAid resumed its operations in Lismore in October 2023, the volunteer organization has made significant strides in repairing damaged fences and structures on 46 properties affected by the 2022 natural disaster. As their lease at the Greyhound track is set to expire in March, BlazeAid Camp Coordinator Gary Lawrence is urging any farmer still requiring assistance to register with the group promptly to capitalize on the available support. “We have a team of volunteers ready and equipment on hand, so we just need properties identified that are in need of our assistance,” he emphasized. “It would be regrettable if anyone in need
missed out because they underestimated the significance of the damage. Our services extend beyond cattle fencing to include stock containment and boundary fencing, among other things.”
He added, “Recently, our team helped straighten an elderly lady’s gate, highlighting that our support extends beyond traditional fencing repairs.” “We have restored over 22 kilometres of
fencing and cleared approximately 11 kilometres of land to aid farmers in their recovery efforts.” Mayor Steve Krieg commended the remarkable work done by BlazeAid volunteers
in helping farmers rebound from the 2022 natural disaster, as well as the 2019 bushfires. “While much media attention focused on the CBD and residences post-disaster, BlazeAid stepped up to assist
our farmers. We are immensely grateful for their contributions,” he stated. “Since establishing their base in Lismore, they have made significant strides, and I encourage any landholder still requiring assistance to reach out to Gary Lawrence or visit their base camp at the Greyhound track.” BlazeAid was founded in 2009 by Kevin and Rhonda Butler following the Black Saturday bushfires. After the 2019 North Coast bushfires, BlazeAid established operations near Casino to aid local farmers in refencing their paddocks. To register your property or volunteer with BlazeAid, contact Gary Lawrence at 0427 390 851.
Hazards Near Me updates to include severe weather warnings The New South Wales State Emergency Service (NSW SES) has launched the inclusion of severe weather warnings as part of the Hazards Near Me NSW App and Hazard Watch. Developed in partnership with the Department of Customer Service, the update to include another hazard will ensure more communities across NSW will be prepared during weather events. Minister for Emergency
Services, Jihad Dib said the expansion of the app’s hazards was timely given we’re in the middle of Storm Season, which runs from September to March and typically sees an increase in storm activity. “Severe weather warnings and alerts are now available immediately on your phone or device. This is in addition to the warnings and alerts for fires, floods and tsunami that are already available
on the platform,” Minister Dib said. “We know February is typically the busiest month for the NSW SES,
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and in February 2023, the NSW SES responded to 9,288 calls to the State Operations Centre. More than 4,200 of those calls were for storm damage in communities across the state. “This is why it’s so important to have severe weather warnings included as part of the suite of warnings available on the Hazards Near Me NSW app, Hazard Watch and the NSW SES website.” NSW SES Commissioner Carlene York APM said it had been an incredibly busy summer for volunteers, and urged the public to download the Hazards Near Me NSW app. “NSW SES volunteers
have already responded to more than 4,600 incidents across the state since Christmas Day. The majority of those were for severe weather,” Commissioner York said. “Just last week North Western parts of NSW were experiencing severe weather, which resulted in storm warnings and minor flooding. “I would encourage anyone who hasn’t yet downloaded the app to do so and be prepared for whatever hazard may impact your community.” Department of Customer Service Executive Director of Government Technology Platforms, Reece
Clementi said the app was a trusted source of information for the community to access warnings and advice during hazards. “If you are one of the more than four million people who already have the Hazards Near Me NSW App, update your watch zone notifications to ensure you are receiving relevant warnings in real time for fires, floods, tsunami and now severe weather,” Mr Clementi said. The Hazards Near Me NSW App uses the nationally recognised Australian Warning System. There are three levels of warnings within this system including: Advice, Watch and Act and Emergency Warning. These same categories will now be used to keep communities safe and informed when severe weather is occurring nearby. For emergency help in floods and storms, call the NSW SES on 132 500. In life threatening situations, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.
