MORE than 2000 tonnes of hay has been distributed to livestock producers impacted by the recent Kangaroo Island, South East and Cudlee Creek fires.
This includes 1000t distributed through Livestock SA's Oakbank hay depot, and 600t delivered to KI so far.
Primary Industries Minister Tim Whetstone said fodder donations continued to flood in from across the state, from the Eyre Peninsula to the Mallee.
"Recognising the importance of getting hay to farmers on KI as quickly as possible, we are providing $120,000 to pay the cost of transporting donated fodder on the ferry from the drop-off point at Cape Jervis to Penneshaw," he said.
"The Oakbank fodder drop in the Adelaide Hills has now closed with more than 1000t distributed, and fodder supplies are still continuing to KI with more than 600t, or 33 truckloads, going direct to the farmgate.
"The Australian Defence Force has also played an important role in assisting distributing the fodder across the island."
Related reading: KI receives feed donations
Livestock SA chief executive officer Andrew Curtis said the Cape Jervis depot remained open for donations, and was being used as the staging post for delivery for affected properties on KI.
"Already nearly 1000t has been donated to the Cape Jervis depot," Mr Curtis said.
"Since opening the initial depot for Cudlee Creek producers at Oakbank Racecourse last month, we have been inundated with messages from across the state wanting to assist.
"Members of the public remain welcome to donate fodder or volunteer to help transport and off-load deliveries at the Cape Jervis depot. We are also still on the lookout for people who can provide agistment for livestock from the fire-affected areas.
"Assistance either through fodder donations or providing agistment is making a big difference to fire affected producers, giving them one less thing to worry about.
"The Cape Jervis donation depot, located on the corner of Fishery Beach Road and Main South Road, is open by appointment so we can make sure we have someone on-hand to unload."
Livestock producers requiring assistance with fodder and agistment, and landowners wishing to donate emergency fodder are advised to contact Livestock SA on 08 8297 2299.
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