Getting Moree Cleaned up – Burnt-out Houses To Go

Getting rid of burnt-out houses in Moree has been, and remains a significant priority.  Not only are they an eyesore, but they are a hazard to the community.  Often burned-out houses are left because of the considerable costs of cleaning up the sites - particularly if asbestos is involved – and then paying tipping fees to dispose of the remains.

That is why Moree Plains Shire Council (Council) resolved at its meeting on Thursday 8 July 2021 to commit approximately $700,000 in assistance to eligible private and public landowners to encourage clean-up of dilapidated properties in Moree Plains Shire.

Mayor Katrina Humphries looks forward to the next phase of this critical project, stating “now that the experts and state agencies have progressed their safety and environmental assessments for each property, Council has a clear picture of how we can best help landowners to clear up these burnt-out houses as soon as possible.”

In addition to Council coordinating building assessments and providing advice on what landowners need to do to demolish their burnt-out properties, Council is financially assisting eligible landowners through a subsidy on tipping fees.

“This is exactly the type of helping hand our community needs from Council,” says Mayor Humphries. “The process of demolishing asbestos-contaminated properties is highly complex, and landowners need a guiding hand to make sure demolitions are carried out safely and by-the-book”.

“The community has reached out to Council for assistance with tipping fees, which are that extra cost often left unconsidered, and I’m proud Council can help facilitate clean-up in this way.”

“Some landowners have progressed in cleaning up their properties and I congratulate them for leading the charge and setting the right example for the rest of the community. We want our town to be a safe, beautiful, and proud place and the clean-up of the burnt-out house is of utmost priority” says Mayor Humphries.

Council’s General Manager, Lester Rodgers says “Council are currently issuing demolition information and notices and will be in contact with landowners directly who are eligible for financial assistance.”

“It is exciting to see all the hard work put in so far is paying off and long-standing partnerships being built between the community, landowners, agencies, and Council. The way we are approaching the burnt-out houses project is setting the bar for how this issue is managed across the state,” said Mr. Rodgers.

Members of the community are encouraged to contact Council at 02 6757 3222 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for further information and details regarding demolitions and financial assistance.