In an effort to support areas critically affected by bush fires, over $2 million worth of tractors and machinery will be made available to councils and farms by machinery dealer PFG Australia.
Launched this month, the Fire Relief 2020 program is expected to run for the entire year, and will initially target east and north-east Victoria, the southern and Hunter regions of NSW as well as South Australia's Kangaroo Island.
PFG Australia chief executive Justin Whitford said the road to recovery from the fires would be long and demanding.
"During a crisis of this magnitude, many people feel a natural and powerful urge to help, the generous response from within Australia and internationally has been amazing," he said.
"As a major supplier and partner to the Australian agriculture industry, we knew we had the ability to help regional communities, including farmers, dealers, customers and those generally in need.
"To determine how best to proceed, we held discussions with regional disaster distribution and recovery managers, and with dealers and farmers throughout the fire- affected areas. The response to our proposals was outstanding."
Mr Whitford said Deutz Fahr and Kioti tractors would be used in the program, supporting various services including baling and feed distribution, farm and community re-fencing, council support activities, land tillage and seeding.
"We will provide crucial assistance to those affected in hard hit regions where tractor and machinery losses have been significant, and also do as much as we can for our customers and dealers in those areas," he said.
"Through the provision of tractors and machinery to undertake a range of vital activities, we can help to feed livestock and rebuild the farms and regional communities that provide for our nation."
Mr Whitford said McHale and Vicon balers were already being put to use as part of the program, baling donated fodder and grass paddocks for distribution through strategic support hubs.
He said as the requirements changed for affected communities, tillage and seeding equipment from Maschio and Aitchison would also be made available.
