Sarsfield portable Lucas Mill partnership rebuilds farms post bushfire

The Victorian Government is lending its support to an exciting initiative led by Sarsfield locals to repurpose timber from the Black Summer bushfires into fencing material for East Gippsland farmers at no cost.

Bruthen Lions Club, in partnership with the East Gippsland Rotary Fire Aid Group, have been the driving forces behind the purchase of a Lucas Mill for the community to make practical use of materials which may otherwise be wasted.

The project has received a $30,000 boost to the pilot under the Bushfire Recovery Response package, delivered by the Department of Environment Water Land and Planning (DELWP). The contribution will fund the initial month of operating costs.

The Lions Club are progressing the project with the mill and vehicle secured to commence operations, a contract operating team engaged and training and accreditation through local providers in the safe operation of the mill planned in the upcoming month.

Initially, the project is aiming to service farms within the fire footprint area in East Gippsland for the next two years, with the possibility of ongoing operations in future recovery efforts as needed.

The project prides itself in engaging and employing locals, for the benefit of locals.

To date, 18 landholders in the region have already signed up to have works undertaken on their properties.

Landholders within the East Gippsland community can register their interest for involvement in the project via the Bushfire Recovery Victoria (BRV) Community Hub at Sarsfield:

• Phone: 0408 934 978
• Email: sarsfieldhub@brv.vic.gov.au