Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

“Black Saturday” Bushfires

WORKING BEE - SATURDAY 21ST MARCH 2009

The Australian Trout Foundation, the Futurefish Foundation and the Australian Fishing Trade Association recognise the tragedy and devastation of the recent Victorian Bushfires, and the effect it has on those who have lost family, friends and property.

Over the past twelve years or so, the Buxton Trout Farm has contributed hundreds of thousands of brown and rainbow trout to Victoria’s recreational fishing stocking program, assisting organisations such as the Futurefish Foundation release millions of fish into Victorian waterways. Additionally the Buxton Trout Farm plays host to approx 40,000 people (families and kids) per annum introducing them to the enjoyment of trout fishing.

On Saturday 7th February 2009, bushfires raged through the town of Buxton. Owner Mitch MacRae and his family are okay. His house and most of the farm’s infrastructure survived the raging fury, however he lost his hatchery. He also lost 95% of his entire fish stock.

The ATF, Futurefish, and AFTA are keen to help the victims of the black Saturday bushfires and have chosen Buxton Trout Farm in recognition of their contribution by producing fish for stocking our waterways and our enjoyment. We are calling on you for your assistance.

We will commence our assistance program with a working bee to be held on Saturday 21st March 2009. This will be followed up with further assistance of the rebuild of his hatchery. Details to be advised later.

Date: 21st March 2009

Time: 9.00 am to 5.00 pm

Location: Buxton Trout Farm, 2118 Maroondah Highway Buxton, Victoria

Jobs to be undertaken:

* Mowing and general clean up of garden/ family fish out areas.
* Tree planting.
* Refencing the property.
* Wood stacking.
* Preparation for the building of the new hatchery area.
* Lattice replacement etc for building structures.
* Building a bridge over the stream at the fish out area.



A BBQ luncheon will be supplied to all volunteers. Food and drinks supplied.

Please bring along some gardening equipment such as rakes, shovels, weeding gear etc.

Please contact Merv McGuire on 0417 887 815 or David Kramer on 0428 170 091 with your assistance. Your involvement is vital to our support to those who supply our recreational enjoyment. We need your advice in advance to identify work distribution.

THANK YOU.

I proposed a similar BYAP rescue for Marysvale... looks like Buxton is taken care of...

What do you reckon Vic BYAP members... going to give them a hand... or organise something for Marysvale???

or maybe even marysville..............maybe they will sing out if they find out about buxton

I heard on Landline that 4 out of Victorias 10 trout farms were destroyed. There is also increasing pressure from recreational fishers to re-stock many of the rivers where wild stocks were also wiped out. I think Trout may be hard to find this year in Vic.

Already my smoked trout supplier at the Farmers' Market is telling of troubles sourcing any fish, let alone ideal sized specimens.