Bush fires - community information

Published on 12 November 2019

People in bush fire areas are advised by the RFS to:

Evacuation centres Two evacuation centres are operating in the Byron Shire:

If people are going to an evacuation centre they should register at Register. Find. Unite website.

Where possible, people attending the centres are being housed and accommodated within the immediate community.

Accommodation

Mullumbimby Neighbourhood District Centre is coordinating offers of accommodation. If you need, or would like to offer accommodation please contact them on:

Email [email protected]

Phone: 02 6684 1286

The centre will also be offering its normal services supporting those in crisis, such as showers, community meals, support staff.

Pets

Mullumbimby Neighbourhood District Centre will coordinate the care of companion animals. Contact them to register your interest and they will do their best to connect you with someone who can house your animal.

Email  [email protected]

Phone: 02 6684 1286

There will also be some assistance available via the Department of Agriculture representatives at the Cavanbah Evacuation Centre. 

Horses For horse owners in bush fire prone areas the Mullumbimby Showground has been declared an official evacuation zone (for horses only).

Please note there is only space for a limited number of horses and owners need to provide fodder and water troughs.  Owners need to register with staff/ volunteers at the site and stay on site with their animals.

Volunteers needed to help with care of horses at Mullum showground Mullumbimby Showground is the official evacuation zone for horses only. Volunteers are needed to help the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Coordinator. Contact the Showground Administration Office on 6684 6074.

How can you help? Make a donation

Would you like to do something for local people affected by the bush fires?  The Mullumbimby and District Neighbourhood Centre (MDNC) is now accepting online donations via its website and can also accept gift vouchers.  https://mdnc.org.au/donate/  There are no administration or handling fees which means that your donation will be passed on, in full, to people in the community who are in need of help.

The Mullumbimby Ex Services Club can accept some food donations.  However, please contact them first to find out what is most needed. Updates will be posted to their Mullumbimby Ex Services Facebook page. www.facebook.com/mullumexservices/

Injured wildlife

Injured wildlife can be reported to WIRES Northern Rivers.  WIRES operates a 24 hour service.  Call 6628 1898 in the event of a wildlife emergency.

WIRES suggests putting water out to support displaced animals, and keeping your domestic pets under control at this time. Animals will be on the move during this bush fire event.  www.wiresnr.org

Friends of the Koala Inc.also operate a 24 hour service for koala rescues.  Call 6622 1233 or www.friendsofthekoala.org.   

School closures

 Latest up-to-date information about school closures check the School Safety page on the Department of Education website.  education.nsw.gov.au/news/announcements/list-of-schools-temporarily-closed-due-to-fires.

Road closures

For the most up to date information on local road closures in Byron Shire go to www.myroadinfo.com.au

Waste collection in rural areas

Areas that cannot be accessed may experience delays to their scheduled collection service. Council and their collection contractor will work together to ensure affected areas are serviced as soon as practically possible, and information will be provided on the website and Byron Shire Council Facebook page.  www.byron.nsw.gov.au/Services/Waste-recycling/Bin-collection-services or www.facebook.com/byronshire.council/

Disposal of green waste

The Chief of Operations has advised that it is far too late to be removing green waste from properties in high risk areas as residents need to be preparing to leave. Additionally, Council does not wish to encourage people to travel back into risk zones to remove green waste.

Main Arm – concrete blocks removed by Council works team

Works teams have now moved the concrete blocks that were restricting the use of the previously closed section of Durrumbul Road at Main Arm as requested by residents.

This temporary access provides an alternative route although it may not be suitable for small vehicles with low ground clearance.

For more information contact Annie Lewis, Media and Communications Coordinator, on 6626 7320.