By KATRINA BRANDON
TAKING a bit of chill off the night, Valley Farmers held a community bonfire night earlier this month (August 7).
Around 60 people attended Budgeree Hall, enjoying a stress-free night away from the farm to chat with their neighbours.
Families with children were able to enjoy many toys and games, as well as stay entertained by the Boolarra Country Fire Authority (CFA), who brought along their fire trucks and later shared a timely message.
Valley Farmers President Matt Lloyd welcomed CFA firefighter Diana (Di) Billingsley to speak at the event.
“It is lovely to see the strength of the Budgeree community and people coming together,” Ms Billingsley said.
Ms Billingsley spoke to the group about early preparation of farming properties and ensuring that they are as safe as possible for the next fire season. She also said that local CFA groups are more than happy to assist with ensuring that farmers are ready or have secure plans in place if a fire is to occur in the region.
She stressed how important it is to keep an eye on local weather systems and conditions, and for farmers to notify neighbours of their plans to ensure everyone is on the same page.
CFA recommends that safety plans, whether they be for fire or flood emergencies, are revised often.
Primary producers may be eligible for tax deductions on fire preparedness and prevention expenses. Some deductibles can include quick fill pumps, lightweight water tanks for utility vehicles or fire protection sprinkler systems in sheds.
Before the fire season, CFA also recommends farmers double-check spark arrestors on machinery and that chainsaws are free from faults, water fire extinguishers or knapsack spray pumps are available, have a safety strategy in place for storing and monitoring hay. If the property has private firefighting equipment, conduct a ‘refresher’ session with family and employees to make sure everyone knows how to use it, make sure there are no gaps between cladding and the ground of sheds, reduce fuel loads around the house blocks, sheds, fences, and create a heavily grazed area where stock can be moved to during a bushfire.
Valley Farmers has also been engaging with local youth to talk about bushfire preparedness, including with those from non-farming backgrounds.
