VICTORIAN Farmers Federation is urgently calling for help to repair fences in bushfire-affected areas.

The VFF has appointed 15 fencing co-ordinators to oversee volunteers in erecting about 8000km of boundary fencing adjoining Crown land, roadsides and neighbouring properties across the state.

VFF president Simon Ramsay said the task can only be completed with the help of additional volunteers.

“Although hundreds of volunteers have assisted so far, we are still operating under capacity.

“The size of the task is huge, there is still approximately 80 per cent to complete,” Mr Ramsay said.

Mr Ramsay said while basic fencing skills would be an advantage, anyone willing to put in a few hours of work would be welcome.

Whittlesea Lions Club member Alan Hayward said there was a desperate need for fencing in the Whittlesea areas.

“I think fencing is going to be a real big issue in this area,” he said.

“Anybody that has the ability or knowledge in the area is going to be sought after.”

The Whittlesea Lions Club has put together two trailers to do fencing work filled with tools and a generator.

Mitchell BlazeAid organiser Kevin Butler said the group desperately needs three people with training and authority to operate a tractor and three people with appropriate training to operate a post-hole digger.

“I need a person who’s sensible, well trained and safe with their own four-wheel drive,” he said.

He said BlazeAid is also encouraging young people to join the fence-building efforts.

For more information contact Mitchell BlazeAid organiser Kevin Butler on 0418 530 471.

Volunteers are encouraged to contact VFF fencing co-ordinator Wal Lawson on 1300 882 833 or submit their details through the VFF’s website, www.vff.org.au.