Bushfire Recovery Remains Council Focus (24 September 2020)

A report into the ongoing bushfire recovery progress in the Orara Valley was presented to Coffs Harbour City Councillors at the last Council Meeting.

While it’s just ten months since the November 2019 fires that hit the Orara Valley, we’re already preparing for the next bushfire season. But during those ten months, Council has been working very hard with the community to help them recover from the devastating fires which saw 17 dwellings lost, seven homes damaged and a large number of buildings and infrastructure damaged.

The appointment of a Council Community Recovery Officer, Melinda Brooks, has created a useful and positive dialogue between Council, bushfire-affected residents, bushfire recovery agencies, local support organisations, the Rural Fire Service (RFS) and the broader community.

An internal Council Bushfire Recovery Working Group chaired by myself has also provided clear links across the organisation to ensure that bushfire recovery actions and responses are coordinated.

The ‘Bushfire Recovery Action Plan 2020-2022’ outlines the current status of recovery actions. They range from fencing replacement, local road and bridge rehabilitation, supporting environmental recovery with a grants program, community outreach opportunities with service providers, tourism promotion, assistance with development applications for rebuilding, planning advice and emergency vehicle hardstand and turn-around bays.

Funding for ongoing projects has been provided by the Australian Government, NSW Government and Council. A copy of the ‘Bushfire Recovery Action Plan 2020-2022’ can be found online on Council’s Have Your Say website.

Pictured above on the left is Melinda Brooks at a recent community outreach session in Nana Glen.