Council staff deliver with extraordinary idea for drought relief

18 October 2018

Ipswich City Council staff are behind a heartfelt initiative that is making a difference to farming families in need.

On October 20 council staff are set to deliver a load of hay to a drought-stricken farm nominated by the Aussie Helpers charity. It will be the second load of 36 bales to go to a farmer in need as part of the ongoing council staff-led initiative.

The hay campaign started with two staff, a Waste Services Employee and a Mechanic from the Works, Parks and Recreation Department, who saw an opportunity in the large grassed areas owned by council.

Those areas are slashed or mowed to reduce fire risk with the grass left to decompose. But that grass could be baled and transported to areas in desperate need from the drought.

Unfortunately winter frosts had killed off a lot of the viable grass, so in the meantime council’s 1300 staff held a fundraising campaign, raising more than $4000 which council matched dollar-for-dollar.

That money purchased hay from Marburg, with council providing the transport and experienced staff volunteering to deliver it personally to farms nominated by Aussie Helpers charity.

The first load of hay went to a family-owned dairy farm outside Goombungee, and the second load will be delivered to a beef producer north of Allora.

The council initiative is set to become an ongoing commitment as spring grasses start to grow. Already council is identifying its grassed areas across Ipswich that would be suitable to slash, bale and transport.

Acting CEO Charlie Dill said staff were proud of the hay initiative and it was fully supported by all levels of the organisation.

“There is much compassion and generosity within Ipswich City Council, with staff who are proud to support our community and those well outside our area,” he said.

“Staff have really gone above and beyond with this initiative. It just makes sense but needed initiative and drive to make it happen. ICC staff have lead by example and hopefully other southeast Queensland councils will follow.”

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