“There wasn’t a huge amount of damage caused by the floods but a lot of rural fencing was affected. It’s common for floodwater to drag things like hay bales and logs through fences and also wash away the foundations,” said District 11 Operations Manager Bryan Russell.
“Mount Taylor brigade members are mad keen at fencing and go out and help every time there’s a flood or fire, usually starting with CFA members. It makes a real difference for farmers in particular.”
The brigade has a few fencing contractors in its midst, including Captain Ken Stuart who’s been a fencing contractor for 38 years.
“We made 35 trips out to Callignee after the 2009 fires to help tidy up the fencing. After 2007 we made a trip to Tambo Crossing to help and also spent a fair few weekends in the high country after the 2003 fires, in Benambra and Gelantipy,” Ken said.
“I’m a farmer as well as a fencing contractor so I know what it’s like. While it can be difficult to front up to someone’s house and say ‘where do you want me to help?’, we find the best approach is to sit down and have a chat over a cup of tea first and then see what needs to be done.
“Last weekend nine members of the brigade were out repairing flood damaged fences in Hillside. I’ll be going out with them this weekend,” Ken said.
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