It’s safety first, highway remains closed

The Kings Highway remains closed as bushfires continue to burn north of the highway.

Eurobodalla Mayor Liz Innes says firefighters on Clyde Mountain are battling to keep the blaze from jumping the highway into Monga National Park, in the shire’s north-west.

“I want the community to be prepared. There’s potential for serious fire impacts over the weeks and months ahead,” Cr Innes said.

“Firefighters are working in appalling conditions on steep and heavily forested terrain, up to Government Bend. It’s taken a massive effort to keep the fire contained so far.

“It’s safety first, and that’s why Transport for NSW has closed the Kings Highway.

“Council staff have been on the mountain to assess damage, however, we’ve just stood them down because of the dangerous conditions.

“The reality is we’re only a few weeks into summer, there’s no rain predicted, and hot weather is only going to make conditions drier and more uncertain.

“Emergency agencies managing this fire are acutely aware of the impact of highway closures to Eurobodalla’s economy. Our businesses are already under the hammer and realistically that looks set to continue while the Kings remains shut.

“The best thing we can do as a community is buy local, support one another, and make sure you and family know what you’ll do in a fire.

“Get your bushfire plan done, prepare your homes and yards, farmers need to make plans for their stock, offer a helping hand to neighbours who might need it, especially the elderly.

“The economic impact and the stress and uncertainty right on Christmas is tough. But together - being strong, caring for each other, and most of all being prepared - we will get through this.”