PM Transcripts

PRIME MINISTER
FOR PRESS 24 FEBRUARY 1977
" Joint Statement by the Prime Minister and the Acting Premier
of Victoria
VIC: TORIAN BUSH FIRES 1977 REPLACEMENT OF BOUNDARY FENCES
The Federal and State Governments have agreed that Government
funds will be provided to meet the cost of materials Used by
landholders in replacing their boundary fences abuttin. g roads
and railway lines.
Mr., Fraser and Mr. Thompson said that this decision had been
made in order to hasten the restoration of fencing aloing roads
and railways which was burnt out in the recent fires. This
fencing must be replaced as soon as possible to allow restocking
of properties to commence without endangering the
saf~ ety of road and rail users and stock.
Municipalities in the area will be asked to help in the
administration of the scheme.
Assistance up to a maximum of $ 850 per kilometre for naterials
actually used in replacement fencing will be provided.
Mr. Fraser and Mr. Thompson praised the people in the bush
fire areas for the speedy and effective way they have gone
about ' obtaining and distributing fodder and other essentials
and commencing rehabilitation of their properties. They
ex:? ressed the hope that the Governments' action in regard
to boundary fencing would assist in this process.
Ministers pointed out that this assistance goes beyond the
normal assistance arrangements which apply in cases of natural
disasters. The assistance is made available as a special
measure in this case in recognition of the extent and
magnitude of the recent bush fires."
' j,,, AUS ALI