PIRSA’s trained Emergency Services response team was activated in January 2005 as a result of a devastating bushfire on the state’s Eyre Peninsula. PIRSA’s Emergency Services response team consists of Rural Solutions SA consultants, who act in an on-ground capacity to implement the state’s emergency management plan.

What we did.
During the emergency we:

• Actively liaised and communicated with lead agencies such as SAPOL
• Liaised with other supporting agencies ie Telstra, Department of Health, EPA, State Emergency Services
• Implemented the disaster plan, making decisive yet considered decisions
• Addressed animal welfare issues - stock destruction
• Offered additional supporting programmes
• Farm re-establishment
• Financial support
• Emergency supplies

During the recovery and re-establishment phase we:

• Provided administration, project management and delivery for the various elements of the re-establishment program
• Provided strategic planning for farmer groups (property management planning approach)
• Facilitated grants for professionals to develop business plans for individual farm enterprises
• Facilitated grant application and implementation for sustainable agriculture and biodiversity enhancements projects

What we achieved.

Rural Solutions SA consultants are presently still actively involved with the implementation of the recovery phase of the disaster plan. This phase involves empowering the community by defining their needs, providing them with appropriate support and skills ie business planning needed to recover after such a devastating event. Rural Solutions SA has been the key group in undertaking the community consultation process, conducting workshops throughout the area to assist in identifying community needs.

As at 30th June 2006 of the two year program (completion date is 30th June 2007) the program has:

• 88% of 120 Farm business enterprises have been through workshops, 117% of target
• 38% of 250 small holdings (<20ha) have been to workshops, 50% of target
• $1,117,000 of grants has been administered.

Contact: Helen Lamont