Mosaic Map: NRM funded projects
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The lower Eyre Peninsula rising from the ashes
When a fire swept through 83,000 hectares across the Eyre Peninsula in less than a day, hundreds of families saw their livelihoods built over many years and sometimes generations rise up in smoke.
But two years on, these families are slowly rebuilding their lives, with an extra focus on protecting and enhancing environmental resources on their properties.
In January 2005 the fastest bushfire ever recorded in Australia hurtled across the Eyre Peninsula, sweeping through 120 farms and 150 smaller properties.
"People lost family and friends. They lost their homes, their sheds and machinery, their livestock, their fences" Lower Eyre Peninsula Bushfire Re-establishment Program Director Helen Lamont said.
"It was incredibly traumatising, and to top it off, most people weren't 100 per cent insured, which put them under tremendous financial pressure."
Funding
In February 2005 the Australian Government provided $2.5 million to help Eyre Peninsula residents recover and re-establish their livelihoods. This was matched by the South Australian Government.
Activities
The Lower Eyre Peninsula Bushfire Re-establishment Program offered workshops and grants for farmers who were affected by the fire, with a focus on sustainable production and the protection of natural resources.
The first part of the program involved workshops. These gave farmers the opportunity to plan for the future of the property, identify priorities, and address financial issues, as well as access to health information to help them cope with stress.
A $4,000 grant then enabled farmers to complete a business plan which looked at sustainable agriculture, improving productivity and protecting environmental values.
"This gave farmers access to two $10,000 grants, one for biodiversity works like replanting or fencing off native vegetation, the other for sustainable agriculture works, like realigning watering points to keep stock from creeks," Helen said.
"For small landholders, we put together a team of facilitators to visit properties and make recommendations about what could be done, which then gave small landholders access to up to $2,000 to undertake biodiversity projects on their land."
Achievements
Helen said a 98 per cent attendance at the workshops had ensured that people's health and wellbeing had been looked after. The concept of completing a business plan ensured a long-term vision for the Peninsula.
"The support we were able to provide through the facilitators was also critical to helping people go through the application process," she said.
More information
- Helen Lamont, Lower Eyre Peninsula Bushfire Re-establishment Program Director: (08) 8688 3421 or lamont.helen@saugov.sa.gov.au or
- Jeanie Quilliam, Eyre Peninsula Regional Natural Resources Management Liaison Officer: (08) 8688 3413 or quilliam.jeanie@saugov.sa.gov.au
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