Reports Finalised for Burnt Out Houses

Late last year representatives from the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) attended Moree to meet with Councillors and provide an update regarding the dilapidated houses project following a week-long series of inspections that occurred in November.

Throughout the week of inspections, on foot and aerial assessments were completed at 60 individual properties by a team of multiple government agencies, with air monitoring also carried out at nearby locations. Following these inspections summary reports were finalised specifying each property’s risk, priority of removal, structural integrity and estimated demolish costs.

Moree Plains Shire Council’s Acting Director of Planning and Community Development, James Maxwell, was on the ground with the team throughout the week of inspections.

“The reports provide Council with an overview of the issue and more specifically highlight a list of priorities for Council to action and a risk-based approach to commencing the removal of these houses”, Mr Maxwell explained.

“Air monitoring also returned negative results of airborne fibres at all locations tested, indicating that the dilapidated houses present a low risk to the community when left undisturbed.

“Although Council facilitated the removal of a high priority house in December last year, the legislative requirements, quantity of houses and costs associated with demolition is delaying the removal of the remaining dwellings.

“In terms of next steps with this project Council has resolved to ensure that the owners of these properties take responsibility for the required repair or demolition of these properties. And if owners are not cooperative, Council will undertake all required demolition works and pursue the owners for the cost of these works”, said Mr Maxwell.

Community members with questions regarding the assessments and program are encouraged to direct these enquiries to Council on 6757 3222.