Clean-up underway

The mammoth job of cleaning up Eurobodalla after this summer’s devastating bushfires is officially underway.

A home in Bateman Street, Mogo, was chosen as the first south coast site for the NSW Government’s clean-up program, which is being led by engineering giant Laing O’Rourke.

Eurobodalla Mayor Liz Innes was joined by NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet, Deputy Premier John Barilaro, NSW bushfire recovery coordinator Mick Willing, Member for Bega Andrew Constance, and other dignitaries on Thursday to mark this important milestone.

The NSW Government and the Commonwealth are covering the full cost of cleaning up eligible properties destroyed by bushfires since July 1, 2019.

With 2500 homes lost and 10,000 impacted across the state, Mr Barilaro said it would be the largest rebuild program in NSW history.

“The fires have stopped, the excavators have arrived, your tomorrow starts today,” Mr Barilaro said.

Mayor Innes acknowledged the level of emotion around the start of the clean-up effort. “Today is a hard day but it is a big step down the road to recovery,” Clr Innes said.

“We want to warmly welcome Laing O’Rourke to the shire and thank the NSW Government for picking up the cost. It means so much to people.”

Mr Willing said the start of work was a visible sign of progress. “It’s going to take a long time, waste management is a huge problem.”

Council’s director of planning Lindsay Usher said material from today’s clean-ups would be taken to Surf Beach tip.

“We’re close to finalising a waste management agreement with the NSW government that will see a large percentage of the demolition waste accepted at our tips using NSW government-supplied machinery and labour to manage the vast volumes. Running it over our weighbridges today means we see real volumes and brings us closer to finalising an agreement.”

Mr Barilaro recognised the work Council had done on the ground, and encouraged local residents to register.

Both insured and uninsured properties used for residential, small business or primary production purposes are eligible for the clean-up program.

Property owners can register online or call Service NSW on 13 77 88.