Plea for farmers with agistment paddocks to come forward

13/9/96

Transport Minister Eric Charlton has made an urgent plea for farmers with agistment paddocks to come forward.

Mr Charlton said sheep farmers on the south coast urgently needed more feed for their stock.

"This is a desperate situation," he said.

"We need more feed areas."

Thousands of sheep will be moved today and over the next few weeks to areas in the wheatbelt for feed.

The State Government has agreed to advance the cost of transporting sheep away from the area to agistment through interest-free loans for farmers.

Mr Charlton has granted special permits to allow road trains transporting sheep to agistment properties to operate along main roads.

"This is not just about the economic viability of farmers, it is also a landcare issue," he said.

"By moving sheep off these denuded paddocks, it will give the land a chance to recover."

Mr Charlton said farmers with feed paddocks available should ring Robin House on 098 353 044. FAX: 098 353 050

Media contact: Sally Squires (09) 321 7333