The State Government has launched an urgent appeal to councils across NSW to help their counterparts in bushfire affected areas with disaster support and recovery efforts.
“NSW is in the grip of one of the worst bushfire seasons in living memory and affected communities urgently need all the help they can get,’’ says Shelley Hancock, the local government minister.
“I have personally witnessed the atrocious conditions confronting many local communities including those in my own region on the South Coast,
“My heart goes out to those who have endured the tragic loss of life and property,’’ Ms Hancock said.
The Office of Local Government has teamed up with the City
of Sydney and the Sydney Resilience Office to provide a disaster recovery
council co-ordination service to assist local communities devastated by the bushfire
crisis.
The service will link in with the Bushfire Recovery arrangements that the Office
of Emergency Management has established with fire affected councils across NSW.
“Local councils are once again proving they are the heart of their local communities,’’
says Ms Hancock.
“Those councils directly affected by bushfires have pulled out all stops to provide
disaster support and recovery for local residents and visitors.
“Councils are mobilising their staff and equipment for everything from emergency
traffic control, clearing bushfire debris, and tree assessment and removal.
“They are also using public facilities such as halls and showgrounds as emergency
accommodation for those displaced by the bushfires.
“Meanwhile, the Office of Local Government has been approached by a number of
councils not affected by bushfires, offering their in-kind support to
local communities in need.
“I urge all councils with the ability to provide in-kind support such as staff
and equipment to register with the disaster recovery council co-ordination
service,’’ the minister said.
“I know many councils unaffected by the current bushfire
crisis have specialised resources and expertise from previous bushfires and
they are happy to step forward and help others in need.
“Likewise, any council requiring assistance should also register so their needs
can be met as soon as possible.
“I wish you all the best of luck as NSW continues to face these unprecedented
drought and bushfire conditions,’’ the minister said.
On Monday the Office of Local Government will issue further
information to councils about available assistance.
The disaster recovery council co-ordination service can be
contacted on 9246 7709 or recovery@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au.
