Statement from the Mayor of Blue Mountains

Over the past days our community has continued to be tested by these unprecedented fires.

Mount Victoria, Blackheath and Bell join Mount Tomah and Mount Wilson in feeling the impacts of fire. As I sit here now, I can see the alerts for Blackheath and while I am nearby, my heart is breaking to read them.

I have been in community and can tell you that the Blue Mountains spirit shines through, despite the tension and adversity.

I have been meeting emergency crews on the ground.

They just keep going and that knock-about, cheeky spirit is shining through.

Whether it is the fire fighters, the National Parks staff, the Ambos or the Police Officers going door to door in the middle of the night warning people. Or the SES volunteers I saw at Katoomba Fire Control today. The courage and the love of community is palpable.

Our council staff, on barricades, fixing RFS vehicles and a range of other important activities. I am so proud of you.

A shout out to the Blue Mountains Council workers at our tips, in the heat, in the smoke, helping people clear their blocks. To the staff of Penrith City Council who are working beside them, in our Blue Mountains, thank you. As their mayor said to me, “this is what mates do".

I have also been deeply moved by the everyday citizens who donate food to those defending our community or who just stand by the roadside and cheer them on.

Recovery operations begin as the emergency continues to unfold. I want to thank our staff who are today preparing to support those communities impacted with water, attending to dangerous trees, fuel for the generator in the absence of power. A range of important things that help people move forward.

The power company workers who turn up while the ground is still smouldering to re-connect towns impacted by fire, you are there for us too.

We are better together. We are stronger together.

I know we will see this through. We are all tense. We are worried for our citizens. For the animals and environment. 

We have a resolve up here. It is special.

Christmas may have an underlying tension to it. But the most precious gifts are not under the tree. They are in these everyday stories of courage, compassion and community spirit.

Mark Greenhill OAM Mayor of the City of Blue Mountains