25 February 2011

Within hours of calling on Canterbury’s farmers, Federated Farmers has assembled well over 58 pieces of equipment and skilled volunteers to start a major clean-up of Christchurch in conjunction with Fulton Hogan.

“The call went out late last night and we’ve now got well over 60 skilled operators and equipment from loader tractors, to JCB diggers and D4 bulldozers,” says John Hartnell, Federated Farmers Earthquake spokesperson.

“We’ve got a temporary logistics office set up at the A+P Showgrounds and thank the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association for making it available to us and Fulton Hogan.

“We’ll go in with Fulton Hogan just as soon as Civil Defence gives us the word.

“Fulton Hogan is the lead and is currently developing a masterplan so it’s important we work in an organised way with them. I realise farmers are champing at the bit to help. But, as we can bring suitable equipment with us, we’ll be able to make a big dent in clearing debris.

“As of this morning, with offers still rolling in by the minute, there are at least 58 pieces of equipment including 25 loader tractors, 21 tipper trucks and trailers, 10 excavators and diggers and even several bulldozers.

“There’s also a range of other related kit such as tractors and bobcats and these numbers are conservative because the list continues to grow.

“With our rural contractors also stepping up, this is a force multiplier to the clean up effort. It’s one thing to have the kit but another to have the skilled operators to use them so farmers can make a major tangible contribution to the overall effort.

“If people are currently on the road heading to Christchurch with equipment can I ask them to please head straight into the A+P Showgrounds off Curlett's Road and stop there. Federated Farmers personnel are right there to help receive them.

“Can I also ask the media to help spread the word that if farmers are able to operate or to offer suitable equipment for the clean up, then could they please continue calling into 0800 FARMING (0800 327 646) or to email mail@fedfarm.org.nz,” Mr Hartnell concluded.

ENDS

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