Sir Ivan recovery effort continues

In February the Sir Ivan bushfire raced from Leadville to Cassilis, razing 55,000 hectares and taking out 80 per cent of the Armstrong family’s land.

Five months on from the blaze, things are looking up at the family’s sheep and horse operation. 

James Armstrong says commodity prices and seasonal conditions have bolstered their recovery effort.

“We’re thankful the fire happened in a year where stock prices were so good and the season had allowed for a surplus of feed which could be donated and used for agistment,” James Armstrong said.

The family, who breed stud and commercial Merinos, have now built up their numbers to 85 per cent of their original stocking rates. 

“We’ve got more paddock feed now than we were expecting but the fire has gone to show just how much residual feed you rely on. We’re getting a third less out of our paddocks now.”

Before the blaze the family ran 8000 sheep and about 200 cows. 

“The country across the place has responded differently depending on how much feed, and therefore fuel, was there to begin. On our lighter country more legumes and grasses have returned which has shown us how powerful fire is as a grazing tool.” 

James farms with his parents Cam and Winks and alongside his sisters Emma and Annabel.

Last week they re-seeded and fertilised 200 hectares of country using a pasture mix donated by friends.

“The generosity of others continues to floor us,” Mr Armstrong said. 

Thanks to an army of BlazeAid workers and friends the Armstrongs have replaced 18 kilometres of 30km of critical fencing. After that’s complete there’s another 40km of work to be done.

“We’ve employed another full-timer for 12 months and we’ve increased our casual labour force to help get the job done,” he said.

“Cashflow planning has been critical. This year we will have erected 10 years worth of fencing in six months. It’s the same with equipment – we usually don’t plan to replace more than one item a year.”

Getting production back on track has been a key priority.

“While the markets are good and the season is adequate, having lower production is a bigger risk for us than over-spending. It’s a risk we’ve analysed thoroughly.” 

Mr Armstrong said the past few months had been exhausting.

“The best thing to do is look back and reflect on what we’ve achieved. It’s pretty overwhelming to look ahead sometimes.”

THERE’S movement at the station but it’s been a slow road to recovery for the villagers of Uarbry.

“Trying to get hold of a builder around here has been like trying to find hen’s teeth,” said fifth generation resident Warren Piper. 

In February the entire village was engulfed by the Sir Ivan fire. Only one house remained standing. 

Just last week the first permanent dwelling was erected. It was a shed belonging to Ray Boundy. 

“The insurers have taken a big hit in the past six months which has meant delays right across the district. Thankfully Ray has a shed now. While it was being constructed he was camping in a tent and using a campfire to keep warm,” Mr Piper said. 

Now, local residents are looking for a solution to rebuild the town hall. Navigating local and state planning rules has proven tricky. 

“If we don’t get our hall back they may as well bulldoze Uarbry and be done with it.” 

The hall – the second in the village’s history – held in first dance in 1932 on the same weekend the Sydney Harbour Bridge was opened. 

“It’s really important to us to replace the building. We don’t want anything fancy – a turn-key solution would be the easiest way. 

“If we had a new hall it could double as the church which I doubt will be rebuilt.”

AFTER months of hard work the Cassilis crew of BlazeAid volunteers were farewelled on Friday night. 

Their efforts were recognised by fire-affected locals at a special dinner at Cassilis. 

The BlazeAid crew stationed at Dunedoo will remain. 

They have now re-fenced in excess of 233km, having first ripped down 275km. About 550 volunteers having taken part in the campaign. 

On Thursday The Land snapped a photo of Peter and Neryda Johanson of Tweed Heads and Rob Thompsett hard at work on the Golden Highway. They were fixing fences at “Rosemount”.