CBH bin vandals impact farmers
Farmers are disappointed the Nomans Lake CBH bin will not open this harvest after the site was targeted by thieves and vandals last month.
According to Narrogin police Sergeant Mike Bickford, a large amount of copper wiring was stolen from the scene and several items were damaged.
“We’re currently investigating the incident, which likely occurred between the 8th and 28th of October,” he said.
Darren Wilson owns and operates a farm at Nomans Lake and said he and other farmers in the area were disappointed to hear about the damage caused at the site.
“I was told they drained all the fuel tanks of diesel and then filled them up with sand,” he said.
“I know people steal stuff because they need money and they’re dishonest but I just can’t understand why they would sabotage all the gear as well.”
Mr Wilson said he would now have to use the Wickepin CBH bin and rely on local carriers, although he has been expecting the site to close down for some time.
“Apparently it was a part of the CBH plans for the future. They’ve upgraded Wickepin and told us Nomans was one of the sites that might not be getting opened in the future,” he said.
“The copper wire being stolen just fast-tracked the process a bit. It just changes everybody’s plans a bit, so people have to rely on carriers a bit more or gear up and get a bigger truck.”
A CBH Group spokesman said the reopening of the Nomans Lake site depended on the assessment of its operational needs next year.
“CBH has a network strategy which focuses maintenance and capital investment on the core 100 sites that receive over 90 per cent of the annual crop,” the spokesman said.
“In line with this strategy, there is a long-term plan to consolidate the Nomans Lake site.
“Due to the recent incident and ongoing police investigation, the site is unable to be opened this harvest but will be assessed next year, and a decision will be made based on if there is an operational need in the short term.”
Sgt Bickford said the perpetrators might try to sell the copper wire.
He encouraged anyone with any information to contact Narrogin police or call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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