Mayor Cr. Paul Simmons has expressed his gratitude for the quick-thinking and concerted efforts of the volunteers and community of Netherton and Yumali during last week’s bushfire event.

On Thursday 19 November, the Yumali-Netherton fire burnt approximately 5,000 hectares of crops, grass, and scrub, impacting 14 farm businesses and claiming machinery, shedding, livestock, hay and hundreds of kilometres of fencing.

The nature of the fire event, which was extremely fast moving, meant that members from the farming community and local CFS units were integral in helping to prevent the fire from spreading further. CFS volunteers responded admirably despite having already committed time and resources to other recent fire events in the region, including the Deepwater fire.

Coorong District Council’s Mayor Cr. Paul Simmons was part of the fire fighting efforts and witnessed the actions of landowners and neighbours first-hand.

“I am impressed and grateful to the community of Yumali and Netherton for dealing with this high-risk situation by lending their support in many ways – whether by fighting the fire with farm units or as part of local CFS brigades, checking on and helping neighbours to evacuate, shifting animals, or giving support to those at the fire front,” says Mayor Cr. Paul Simmons.

The prompt actions of the CFS in calling up resources from across the State also made a real difference to the fire fighting efforts.

“It is events like this where you truly see our communities come together to support one another,” says Mayor Simmons.

“While the community of Netherton and Yumali may be small, this fire event has had a devastating impact; one that will be felt by our residents for years to come.

“I also pass on thanks on behalf of Council to the other authorities that took part in managing the fire event, both during and now in the stages of recovery.”

The road to recovery now commences – this will include advocating to State and Federal Government for recognition of the fire event and provision of support and services for those impacted by the Yumali-Netherton fire.

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Contact:

Bridget Mather
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER | COORONG DISTRICT COUNCIL
Phone: 1300 785 277 | E: bmather@coorong.sa.gov.au