THE region’s farming families are set to receive a boost in the form of donated water, thanks to Aussie Helpers.
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The rural charity is set to begin distributing more than 1.1 million litres of water to farmers around the region, whose water supplies have run dry due to the drought.
Aussie Helpers founder, Brian Egan, told Fairfax Media on Wednesday the water would be carted by 25 different trucks.
“The water is actually coming from the Moonie Mines in Queensland and being conveyed around the region by Bridgeport Energy, who operate the mines,” Mr Egan said.
“From what I have been told, the water is a by-product of oil mining and when a barrel of oil is mined, so is eight to 10 barrels of water.
“So instead of wasting the water, the company decided to donate it to Aussie Helpers to be distributed to those who need it most.”
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Mr Egan said the recycled water was of “stock quality”.
“The water comes from about 1.6kms below the earth and is perfect stock water,” he said.
“I think this is something that this part of the state in particular can really benefit from, as I have been told and seen for myself the amount of dams running dry and people left without water.”
The 2008 Queensland Senior Australian of the Year said the water was designed to help “keep farmers going”.
“With 25 vehicles each carrying about 44,000 litres of water, there should be plenty to go around,” Mr Egan said.
“Each farmer will receive 132,000 litres which should hopefully keep them going for about 12 months allowing for evaporation.”
Mr Egan encouraged any farmers needing water assistance to reach out.
“The situation around Tamworth, Gunnedah and these places is pretty bad at the moment,” he said.
“So if there is someone who could do with a bit of a hand, especially when it comes to water, then please give Aussie Helpers a call on 1300 665 232.”
Mr Egan said Aussie Helpers would look to continue to ramp up drought support efforts within the region.
“We are actually looking to set up something of a headquarters in Gunnedah,” he said.
“So at the moment we are currently on the hunt for an office space, nothing too big, just something with enough room for a computer, a desk and a little bit of storage for care packages we put together.”
Aussie Helpers has been actively supporting drought-stricken farmers throughout the region, most recently offering a large amount of assistance to Goolhi farmers Les and Laura Jones.
“I spoke to our accountant not too long ago,” Mr Egan said.
“Aussie Helpers is actually spending somewhere in the region of $100,000 a month to help during the drought.
“So that’s why having bases in a few places will help to minimise our costs and make the help we have on offer go further.
“It would be great to see a space become available that would allow us to continue our good work in the region.”
Mr Egan said Aussie Helpers would look to continue to ramp up drought support efforts within the region.
“We are actually looking to set up something of a headquarters in Gunnedah,” he said.
“So at the moment we are currently on the hunt for an office space, nothing too big, just something with enough room for a computer, a desk and a little bit of storage for care packages we put together.”
Aussie Helpers has been actively supporting drought-stricken farmers throughout the region, most recently offering a large amount of assistance to Goolhi farmers Les and Laura Jones.
“I spoke to our accountant not too long ago,” Mr Egan said. “Aussie Helpers is actually spending somewhere in the region of $100,000 a month to help during the drought.
“So that’s why having bases in a few places will help to minimise our costs and make the help we have on offer go further.
“It would be great to see a space become available that would allow us to continue our good work in the region.”
Mr Egan said the organisation would continue to involve itself in fundraising and support efforts in the region.
“We won’t stop until this drought does,” he said.
“It’s not looking like going away anytime soon, so we will continue to push governments to do more, dig deep ourselves and look after anyone who needs help.”
For assistance or to donate, contact Aussie Helpers on 1300 665 232.