Bushfire-Hit Community Faces Double Crisis: Fuel Theft Plagues Struggling Farmers

In a heartless act, thieves have drained petrol from the reserves of farmers in fire-ravaged areas of Victoria, marking a distressing new low in the community’s struggles.

Sarah Thomson and her husband, Ross, were shocked to discover yesterday that the fuel tanks on their Ruffy farm had been completely emptied.

The culprits made off with approximately 400 liters of diesel and 100 liters of unleaded gasoline, essential for powering the couple’s farm machinery and vehicles.

“It’s truly inconceivable,” Sarah lamented. “Someone not only trespassed but also targeted our fire-affected land to steal fuel while we’re in the midst of rebuilding from this disaster.”

Their property was severely affected by the catastrophic Longwood fire, which tore through the region in January, leaving a trail of destruction.

More than 1850 sheep were killed or had to be put down and 1500 acres of the farm was scorched.

Sarah and Ross are now working to restore 18 km of fencing around the farm.

“It’s bone dry and we can’t do what we need to do without fuel,” Sarah said.

“Our business runs on fuel, regional Australia runs on fuel.”

Police have issued alerts about possible fuel theft in the regions.

Nearby Euroa is also feeling the sting from delivery surcharges passed on to business customers as a result of skyrocketing fuel costs.

“Our customers are struggling but we’re doing our best to support them, but there will come a point when it’s no longer sustainable for us to absorb it,” Euroa IGA owner Tim Burton said.

Local MP Annabelle Cleeland urged the government to cut the fuel excise immediately, fearing Victoria could “grind to a halt rapidly”.

“Right now we’re seeing supply shortages right across regional Victoria and this is going to disrupt the supply chain,” she said.

“We’re going to see supermarket products become extraordinarily expensive on the shelves in Melbourne if we don’t give a break to regional Victorians.”

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