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6th Jan 2020Firefighters prepare for worsening conditions as prospect of ‘mega-blaze’ looms
The burnt out remains of vehicles are seen from a bushfire in the Southern Highlands town of Wingello, 160km south west of Sydney. Photo: AAP
The New Daily@TheNewDailyAU
Firefighters in New South Wales and Victoria are making the most of milder conditions and welcome rains to head off a possible “mega-blaze” developing in the coming days.
Dangerous fire weather is set to return to Australia’s south east on Friday, with temperatures expected to reach the mid-30s on the coast and low-to-mid-40s inland.
The race to prepare for the rise in temperature comes as the NSW Rural Fire Service confirmed at 5pm Tuesday that two men missing on NSW’s fire-ravaged far south coast had been confirmed safe.
Earlier police sent in heavy machinery to clear the road to Kiah, south of Eden, where one of the missing men lived.
The other, a 70-year-old from Lower Towamba, west of Eden, had not been seen for several days.
The death toll remains at 20, with emergency services adding the November 9 death of Chris Savva to the count.
RFS Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons, meanwhile, warned there was “every likelihood” the Corryong fire in Victoria’s north-east will merge across the border with fires in southern New South Wales in the coming days.
“We are positioning for that and we’re prepared for that,” Mr Fitzsimmons told Sky News on Tuesday.
Victorian Country Fire Authority State Response Controller Gavin Freeman said firefighters were monitoring the area closely.
Mr Freeman told Channel Nine’s Today that the two fire systems could join, creating a blaze that was almost half a million hectares in size.
The Today Show
✔@TheTodayShow
Fire authorities fear high temperatures and strong winds could merge three fires across New South Wales and Victoria into one 'mega blaze'. #9Today
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Victorian Emergency Services Commissioner, Andrew Crisp, said while there’s “every chance” a ‘mega-blaze’ could form, that did not necessarily increase the danger.
“It is mega in terms of area. Just because you’ve got a large area, it doesn’t mean it’s all fire,” Mr Crisp told reporters Monday.
Brief respite
Some 2500 personnel are working across Victoria’s fire grounds – attempting strategic back-burns to contain fires, strengthening containment lines and working to bring some fires under control.
But there are concerns that the rains bringing relief to the firefighting effort is not falling in great enough quantities to extinguish the blazes, and could in fact hinder some of the work.
Bushfire behaviour expert Thomas Duff told the ABC a small amount of rain could be a nuisance because it results in patchy fires within the control lines.
“Having unburnt areas within your control lines is actually quite dangerous because they can be a source of new fires or spot fires when things dry out again,” Dr Duff said.
Mr Andrews warned against complacency ahead of Thursday and Friday’s worsening weather.
“Messages will be sent out Thursday and Friday this week. They are about life and death, and people need to remain vigilant,” he said.
“This is not over by a long shot.”
Crews preparing for more bad fire conditions:
Firefighters in New South Wales and Victoria are making the most of milder conditions and welcome rains to head off a possible “mega-blaze” developing in the coming days.
Dangerous fire weather is set to return to Australia’s south east on Friday, with temperatures expected to reach the mid-30s on the coast and low-to-mid-40s inland.
The race to prepare for the rise in temperature comes as the NSW Rural Fire Service confirmed at 5pm Tuesday that two men missing on NSW’s fire-ravaged far south coast had been confirmed safe.
Earlier police sent in heavy machinery to clear the road to Kiah, south of Eden, where one of the missing men lived.
The other, a 70-year-old from Lower Towamba, west of Eden, had not been seen for several days.
The death toll remains at 20, with emergency services adding the November 9 death of Chris Savva to the count.
RFS Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons, meanwhile, warned there was “every likelihood” the Corryong fire in Victoria’s north-east will merge across the border with fires in southern New South Wales in the coming days.
“We are positioning for that and we’re prepared for that,” Mr Fitzsimmons told Sky News on Tuesday.
Victorian Country Fire Authority State Response Controller Gavin Freeman said firefighters were monitoring the area closely.
Mr Freeman told Channel Nine’s Today that the two fire systems could join, creating a blaze that was almost half a million hectares in size.
The Today Show
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Fire authorities fear high temperatures and strong winds could merge three fires across New South Wales and Victoria into one 'mega blaze'. #9Today
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Victorian Emergency Services Commissioner, Andrew Crisp, said while there’s “every chance” a ‘mega-blaze’ could form, that did not necessarily increase the danger.
“It is mega in terms of area. Just because you’ve got a large area, it doesn’t mean it’s all fire,” Mr Crisp told reporters Monday.
Brief respite
Some 2500 personnel are working across Victoria’s fire grounds – attempting strategic back-burns to contain fires, strengthening containment lines and working to bring some fires under control.
But there are concerns that the rains bringing relief to the firefighting effort is not falling in great enough quantities to extinguish the blazes, and could in fact hinder some of the work.
Bushfire behaviour expert Thomas Duff told the ABC a small amount of rain could be a nuisance because it results in patchy fires within the control lines.
“Having unburnt areas within your control lines is actually quite dangerous because they can be a source of new fires or spot fires when things dry out again,” Dr Duff said.
Mr Andrews warned against complacency ahead of Thursday and Friday’s worsening weather.
“Messages will be sent out Thursday and Friday this week. They are about life and death, and people need to remain vigilant,” he said.
“This is not over by a long shot.”
Crews preparing for more bad fire conditions:
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Mounting insurance bill
Warnings of a ‘mega-blaze’ come as the RFS confirmed Tuesday that 2241 homes had been destroyed or damaged in the state so far this fire season, with 1588 of them left uninhabitable.
In Victoria, Premier Daniel Andrews said at least 200 homes had been destroyed, while the South Australian Government said 56 homes were destroyed in the Kangaroo Island fires.
Those figures are expected to rise as authorities gain access to more fire affected areas.
The Insurance Council of Australia says the estimated damage bill has doubled in two days to $700 million.
Campbell Fuller from the council said there were almost 9000 insurance claims for fire-related damage and destruction since the bushfires began in September.
About 20 per cent of the claims have been assessed, with half of those already settled.
Insurance industry bosses met with Treasurer Josh Frydenberg in Canberra on Tuesday.
Mr Frydenberg said insurers were already getting builders lined up but the government wanted them to focus on using local tradesmen.
“These communities need to rebuild and the more jobs that can be provided locally the better,” he said.
Firefighter farewelled
Firefighters formed a guard of honour to farewell RFS volunteer Andrew O’Dwyer, who died last month when his fire truck rolled while battling the large Green Wattle Creek blaze near the town of Buxton.
Mr O’Dwyer lost his life in December. Photo: RFSMr O’Dwyer, 36, was remembered as a proud RFS member whose greatest achievement was his young daughter.
A requiem mass was held at Our Lady of Victories in the Sydney suburb of Horsley Park, attended by hundreds of family, friends and RFS members.
NSW RFS
✔@NSWRFS
Today we celebrate the life of firefighter Andrew O’Dwyer of the Horsley Park Rural Fire Brigade. Andrew was tragically killed along with fellow member Geoff Keaton on December 19 while fighting the Green Wattle Fire near Buxton. #NSWRFS
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Prime Minister Scott Morrison, NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian, state Emergency Services Minister David Elliott and federal Labor MP Chris Bowen were also among the mourners.
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Scott Morrison pledges $2 billion to fire recovery as blazes continue to burn
Scott Morrison has announced an additional $2 billion over two years to a new agency tasked with rebuilding bushfire-ravaged towns. Photo: Getty
The federal government has committed $2 billion over two years to a new agency tasked with rebuilding bushfire-ravaged towns.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced the new funding in Canberra on Monday as firefighters in Australia’s ravaged south east made the most of cool conditions and rain to prepare for the next bushfire onslaught.
The national bushfire recovery agency will be led by former Australian Federal Police commissioner Andrew Colvin and work closely with the states and territories to rebuild homes and critical infrastructure destroyed in the bushfires.
Mr Morrison made the announcement after a National Security Committee of Cabinet meeting, saying the recovery effort took precedent over a budget surplus.
“The $2 billion commitment is an additional cost, an initial commitment, and if further funds are required, further funds will be provided,” he said.
“What we are focusing on here is the human cost and the rebuilding cost for people’s lives,” the Prime Minister added.
Mr Morrison claimed “the surplus is of no focus to me”.
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews earlier confirmed all four remaining people who had been missing in the state had been found unharmed.
There are still concerns in New South Wales however, where two people remain missing and more than 130 fires continue to burn.
Mr Andrews, who announced a new state Bushfire Recovery Victoria agency said the situation facing the state was “the new normal”.
Police estimate 67,000 Victorians fled fire zones in East Gippsland and the north-east after warnings were issued last week.
‘Next hot day’
Victorian Emergency Management Commissioner Andrew Crisp said while the light rains falling in East Gippsland were welcome, they would only “suppress” the fires, and warned of more dangers to come.
“I say suppressed because [the fires have] not gone away,” Mr Crisp said.
“It is there waiting for the next hot day, the next strong wind, whether that’s the northerlies or the southerlies,” he said.
“We know these fires will become dynamic and dangerous again.”
The Victorian fires have already burned more than 1.2 million hectares in the state.
At least 31 fires continue to burn across Victoria, including 18 in eastern Gippsland and six in the northeast.
CFA Updates
✔@CFA_Updates
WATCH & ACT for #Abbeyard, #Dandongadale for multiple bushfires in the #Abbeyard, #MtBuffalo and #Wongungara areas that are not yet under control. Residents are currently unable to return to their property as roads remain closed. More info: http://emergency.vic.gov.au/respond/#!/warning/11697/moreinfo … #VicFires
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In New South Wales, a massive back-burning operation is underway in the lower Blue Mountains to try and put a containment line place that could stretch from Wentworth Falls to as far as Glenbrook.
Residents in the NSW coastal town of Eden were assessing the damage to their homes and businesses as firefighters battled the so-called border fire, which has consumed more than 271,000 hectares since starting west of the Victorian town of Mallacoota.
NSW RFS
✔@NSWRFS
Good news from @BegaValleyShire for the residents of Bega, Tathra, Merimbula, Pambula, Eden, Bermagui and villages to the north and south, with news that they can now return. With areas of active fire still around, residents need to monitor conditions and travel with care #nswrfs
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Rain warning
While the rains are offering some respite from days of scorching weather and gusty winds, Victorian Emergency Services Minister Lisa Neville said the wet was causing its own problems.
Ms Neville said the rains were not enough to put out the fires, and were in some instances hampered back-burning efforts and made conditions dangerous for crews.
Mr Crisp said the rains caused a fire management trucks flipped on a slippery track on Sunday.
“Fortunately our firefighters were ok, but they were taken to hospital for observation so, in some respects, it’s great, sort of a reprieve for people and it suppresses the fire behaviour, but it does make it difficult for people to move around those fire grounds,” he said.
The rain is both helping and hampering the firefighting effort. Photo: AAPIn Mallacoota, air evacuations of stranded holiday makers was suspended for the day due to safety concerns.
“Unfortunately, the smoke is right across Victoria’s south and flights have been suspended for the most part,” Army Colonel Tom Nairn told ABC Radio on Monday morning.
He said flights would resume if the smoke cleared.
Naval officers from HMAS Adelaide meanwhile have arrived in Eden to begin a recover operation in the town.
Royal Australian Navy Commander Brandon Ikimau said he had come ashore to meet with police and assess priorities.
“We can (do) basic logistics, food, water, blankets, the other thing that we have the capability of doing with our aircraft is identifying those hotspots and identifying and doing damage assessments as well from the air,” he said.
-with agencies
Rain helps firefighters catch their breath but the battle is far from over
An RFS truck travels through town as rain begins to fall on January 05, 2020 in Bundanoon, NSW. Photo: Getty
Senior Editor@AndieHamblin
A sprinkling of rain could not have come soon enough for the volunteers and professional crews who are working around-the-clock to make gains on fires threatening homes and lives across eastern and southern Australia.
But while Sunday’s cooler conditions brought moments of relief after a horror 48 hours, firefighters know this is no time for celebration.
As of 8am Monday, two fires in Victoria’s far east were still at an emergency level and a total of 31 blazes were burning across the state. Four people remained missing in the blazes that have already claimed two lives, and towns are still cut off from the outside world by surrounding flames.
“The state of disaster remains and if people are asked to leave, and they can leave, then you must leave,” Premier Dan Andrews said.
In NSW, more than 130 bushfires were burning, including more than 60 uncontained. Two were subject to a watch-and-act alert.
Authorities have so far counted 60 homes destroyed just at the weekend in NSW blazes. That number is certain to grow as crews make their way into fire-ravaged areas to assess the damage.
In the far south, Eden residents who had endured a terrifying Sunday surrounded by orange skies have been able to return to their homes as crews continued battling the Border Fire which has scorched 271,000 hectares since igniting west of the Victorian town Mallacoota.
Tensions had been high in the town when residents who had already fled home to take shelter at the wharf were told the area was no longer safe and they needed to get to Bega or Merimbula instead.
Comedian Celeste Barber – who has led a campaign to raise millions for communities – shared a video of her mother-in-law who lives near Eden.
“This fire is Australia’s war,” Joy Robin said while asking for more defence resources to be directed to her hometown.
She said she felt the community had been left “high and dry”, prompting Barber to retort that Prime Minister Scott Morrison had better not try to shake her mother-in-law’s hand.
Celeste barber
✔@celestebarber_
This is my Mother in Law Joy Robin. She’s on the wharf in Eden. She’s amazing, I’m so proud. @ScottMorrisonMP I wouldn’t try and shake her hand.
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RFS Deputy Commissioner Rob Rogers told the ABC he was “comfortable” for Eden residents to return home.
He said he was content for the community to be given some time to recover, after a “rough” day and night.
“There is an enormous amount of fire in that part of the world, these are not going to go out for some time,” he said.
“We have been dealing with the fires non-stop now for more for five months and I can’t see that changing over the next month.
“It makes you think … just where that will end.”
Fire danger ratings on Monday will be high or low-moderate across much of the state, with only parts of the state’s north experiencing “very high” risk.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said NSW was in “unchartered territory”.
“The weather activity we’re seeing, the extent and spread of the fires, the speed at which they’re going, the way in which they’re attacking communities who’ve never ever seen fire before, is unprecedented,” she said on Sunday.
A sprinkling of rain could not have come soon enough for the volunteers and professional crews who are working around-the-clock to make gains on fires threatening homes and lives across eastern and southern Australia.
But while Sunday’s cooler conditions brought moments of relief after a horror 48 hours, firefighters know this is no time for celebration.
As of 8am Monday, two fires in Victoria’s far east were still at an emergency level and a total of 31 blazes were burning across the state. Four people remained missing in the blazes that have already claimed two lives, and towns are still cut off from the outside world by surrounding flames.
“The state of disaster remains and if people are asked to leave, and they can leave, then you must leave,” Premier Dan Andrews said.
In NSW, more than 130 bushfires were burning, including more than 60 uncontained. Two were subject to a watch-and-act alert.
Authorities have so far counted 60 homes destroyed just at the weekend in NSW blazes. That number is certain to grow as crews make their way into fire-ravaged areas to assess the damage.
In the far south, Eden residents who had endured a terrifying Sunday surrounded by orange skies have been able to return to their homes as crews continued battling the Border Fire which has scorched 271,000 hectares since igniting west of the Victorian town Mallacoota.
Tensions had been high in the town when residents who had already fled home to take shelter at the wharf were told the area was no longer safe and they needed to get to Bega or Merimbula instead.
Comedian Celeste Barber – who has led a campaign to raise millions for communities – shared a video of her mother-in-law who lives near Eden.
“This fire is Australia’s war,” Joy Robin said while asking for more defence resources to be directed to her hometown.
She said she felt the community had been left “high and dry”, prompting Barber to retort that Prime Minister Scott Morrison had better not try to shake her mother-in-law’s hand.
Celeste barber
✔@celestebarber_
This is my Mother in Law Joy Robin. She’s on the wharf in Eden. She’s amazing, I’m so proud. @ScottMorrisonMP I wouldn’t try and shake her hand.
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RFS Deputy Commissioner Rob Rogers told the ABC he was “comfortable” for Eden residents to return home.
He said he was content for the community to be given some time to recover, after a “rough” day and night.
“There is an enormous amount of fire in that part of the world, these are not going to go out for some time,” he said.
“We have been dealing with the fires non-stop now for more for five months and I can’t see that changing over the next month.
“It makes you think … just where that will end.”
Fire danger ratings on Monday will be high or low-moderate across much of the state, with only parts of the state’s north experiencing “very high” risk.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said NSW was in “unchartered territory”.
“The weather activity we’re seeing, the extent and spread of the fires, the speed at which they’re going, the way in which they’re attacking communities who’ve never ever seen fire before, is unprecedented,” she said on Sunday.
Frightened residents prepare to escape the town of Eden on the NSW south coast.The cool weather that has brought relief to Victoria will continue on Monday, with showers expected to give firefighters some much-needed respite before the heat returns later in the week.
The fire danger rating forecast for East Gippsland and the north east of Victoria on Monday is low to moderate, with temperatures of under 20C forecast.
The intense fire activity in the southeast and northeast of Victoria, however, is producing hazardous smoke conditions that are likely to worsen on Monday, the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) said.
Parts of the state are listed as having “very poor” air quality by 7am Monday.
Check your local air quality here
As of 6.30am, emergency warnings were in place for East Gippsland communities in the path of bushfires at Cann Valley and in the Drummer and Merremingger state forests.
In fire-devastated Kangaroo Island, off the South Australian coast, an army of helpers is expected to arrive on Monday to help with relief efforts.
Much loved Kangaroo Islander Dick Lang perished with surgeon son Clayton.
They will have two days to clean up and make gains on blazes still burning ahead of Wednesday when temperatures are predicted to rise.
A “watch and act” alert was issued for Stokes Bay near Lathami Conservation Park on the island’s north coast early on Monday as a scrub fire threatened the area.
A bushfire advice remains in place for the western half of the island with the eastern edge of the fireground extending from the north to the south coast.
Already the fires there have wiped out about a third of the 160km-long island and taken with them about half of the local koala population. Farmers are being forced to shoot dead burnt livestock.
It follows the tragic news that the blazes had claimed the lives of father and son locals Dick and Clayton Lang.
Meanwhile, as the crisis continues to make headlines overseas one of America’s largest and most battle-hardened firefighting agencies said it stands ready to help their “Australian brothers and sisters” – but has not been asked.
Cal Fire, California’s main firefighting agency, is willing to send firefighters to Australia to help battle the catastrophic bushfires. But the US government has not issued a request at the state level.
US federal agencies have answered Australia’s call by sending more than 100 firefighters, including some from California.
The Australian devastation has been a major news story in the US in the past week and Cal Fire took to Twitter to explain to concerned Californians why it has not deployed to Australia.
“Having experienced firsthand the devastation that wildfires can create, we share your concern about the wildfires currently ravaging Australia and are closely monitoring the situation,” Cal Fire said on Twitter.
“While we are ready to lend our support at any moment, it is strategically vital that we do not self-deploy and that we work with the international aide system.”
US and Australian firefighting agencies have built strong bonds with exchanges of resources in times of need over the past 15 years.
Australian firefighters helped California when the state faced historic fires in the past two years.
Cal Fire has 6500 employees and the force jumps to 9000 with the addition of seasonal firefighters during the fire season.
“We work closely with our Australian brothers and sisters in the fire service and will continue to foster our relationship and ongoing collaboration,” Cal Fire said.
“We stand with the people of Australia who have supported us during our catastrophic wildfires and continue to stand ready to answer their call.”
-with AAP
Mon 6 Jan 2020 11.58
AEDTLast modified on Mon 6 Jan 2020 14.39 AEDT
New Zealand sends troops to help with Australian bushfires as Pacific nations offer support
Jacinda Ardern says country ready to repay Australia for its help through a tough 2019 as Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu offer money and troops
Eleanor Ainge Roy in Dunedin and Kate Lyons
No emergency alert fires are burning, but there are still many watch and act warnings in place
Cooler conditions have given fire fighters are chance for shift change overs and a rest, as well as working on containment lines
Dangerous fire conditions are forecast for the end of the week, so the reprieve will not last long
The evacuation order has been lifted in Victoria, but the disaster order remains
The government has committed $2bn over two years to a disaster recovery management fund, to be administrated by the Andrew Colvin led National Disaster Recovery Agency.
Victoria has also established a standing disaster recovery agency, to be led by former police commissioner Ken Lay
The surplus is basically kaput
I will leave you in the exceptionally capable hands of Naaman. Please - take care of you.
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11m ago16:08
The Insurance Council of Australia has confirmed those figures Josh Frydenberg gave during the press conference:
Since September 5, insurers have handled more than 6000 insurance claims from bushfire regions of New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia and Victoria. Insurance losses are estimated at $431 million this bushfire season.
13m ago16:07
Scott Morrison
✔@ScottMorrisonMP
Thank you to the US, Canada, NZ and Singapore, who are providing support to help us fight these terrible #bushfires, including firefighters, helicopters and troops. We deeply appreciate the many other international friends who have offered support.
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17m ago16:02
The Australia Institute has responded to the government’s funding announcement. From its statement:
The Australia Institute has welcomed the government’s $2bn bushfire recovery fund announcement, but has questioned why regular Australian taxpayers are being asked to pay when a levy on fossil fuel producers would be a more appropriate way to raise the required funding.
“Regular Australians should not be forced to pay while fossil fuel producers are being let off scot-free,” says Ebony Bennett, deputy director of The Australia Institute.
“A modest levy on fossil fuel producers would help to shift the economic burden of these disasters from regular Australians to the coal and gas companies that are fuelling the climate crisis.
“A surplus is just an economic tool, not a policy goal in itself, and while we welcome the government’s change in rhetoric regarding the need for a budget surplus, it’s disappointing that the Australian community will be left to pick up the tab for yet another climate-fuelled disaster.
Updated at 4.07pm AEDT
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18m ago16:01
Scott Morrison
✔@ScottMorrisonMP
Thank you @EmmanuelMacron and all our international friends who have reached out to offer their support and are providing assistance in our time of need. https://twitter.com/EmmanuelMacron/status/1213887966692679681 …
Emmanuel Macron
✔@EmmanuelMacron
I express our solidarity with the Australian people in the face of wildfires that are currently ravaging their country. I called @ScottMorrisonMP this morning to offer immediate French operational assistance to fight fires, protect affected population and preserve biodiversity.
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27m ago15:52
Russell Crowe has shown everyone his fire truck supplies (wait to the end):
Russell Crowe
✔@russellcrowe
Thanks to the @goldenglobes .
What a cast I got to work with.
Naomi Watts, @WallisAnnabelle Sienna Miller, Aleksa Palladino @JoshStamberg @SethMacFarlane Simon McBurney and everybody else. They created a complete world. Their commitment, sensitivity and courage was inspiring.
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Updated at 3.59pm AEDT
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33m ago15:46
Andrew Greene
✔@AndrewBGreene
The @AustralianArmy Reserve is on its way for Operation Bushfire Assist! Members of 5th Brigade are today travelling to the Snowy Mountains to provide support to devastated communities
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38m ago15:41
Having lived through this for the past week or so, I hope anyone impacted by the smoke at the moment is OK.
EPA Victoria
✔@EPA_Victoria
Impacts from smoke are being experienced across the state of Victoria today and are expected to last until Thursday. Minimise time spent in smoky conditions where practical.
Latest air quality info: http://ow.ly/8bvK50xNDh4
Emergency information and warnings: @vicemergency
EPA AirWatchepa.vic.gov.au
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11:52 AM - Jan 6, 2020
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39m ago15:40
💧Prof Dr Marcia Langton AM 🐯 (@marcialangton)
🖤💛❤️The best way to donate to Victorian Kooris affected by the fires is to donate gift cards for Woolworths, Coles, Target and petrol on January 8 at the Victorian Aboriginal Education Association at 44 Westbourne Gove, Northcote
January 8 at @VAEAI NorthcoteJanuary 5, 2020
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39m ago15:40
As my colleague Bridie Jabour has pointed out already, there are going to be a lot of confused toddlers looking for Emma, but I can think of a lot of parents who will be excited by this.
Nick Evershed (@NickEvershed)
the original wiggles are doing a bushfire fundraiser concert (unsure who the target market is for OG wiggles but good on em nonetheless) pic.twitter.com/wQsTeRngY0January 6, 2020
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44m ago15:35
NSW RFS (@NSWRFS)
Good news from @BegaValleyShire for the residents of Bega, Tathra, Merimbula, Pambula, Eden, Bermagui and villages to the north and south, with news that they can now return. With areas of active fire still around, residents need to monitor conditions and travel with care #nswrfsJanuary 6, 2020
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49m ago15:31
Shane Warne has put his baggy green cap up for auction for bushfire relief.
Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne)
Please bid here https://t.co/kZMhGkmcxspic.twitter.com/ZhpeWQxqY7January 6, 2020
Updated at 3.34pm AEDT
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51m ago15:28
This is ongoing.
Malcolm Turnbull (@TurnbullMalcolm)
The National Energy Guarantee was a cohérent integration of climate and energy policy. It was sabotaged by the right wing of the coalition and their supporters in the media and coal lobby and finally abandoned by Morrison Government. It should be reinstated now.January 6, 2020
Updated at 3.30pm AEDT
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1h ago15:23
The CFMEU construction division has donated $100,000 to bushfire relief.
It is calling on others within the construction industry to do what they can.
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1h ago15:20
You can read the whole announcement Scott Morrison just made, here:
Political Alert (@political_alert)
Prime Minister @ScottMorrisonMP media release announcing the establishment of a National Bushfire Recovery Agency #auspol #AustraliaFires pic.twitter.com/YR0gViWoiVJanuary 6, 2020
Updated at 3.22pm AEDT
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1h ago15:18
Luke Henriques-Gomes
The local government areas affected are listed below:
New South Wales
· Armidale
· Ballina
· Bega Valley
· Bellingen
· Blue Mountains
· Byron
· Central Coast
· Cessnock
· Clarence Valley
· Coffs Harbour
· Eurobodalla
· Glen Innes Severn
· Greater Hume
· Gwydir
· Hawkesbury
· Inverell
· Kempsey
· Ku-ring-gai
· Kyogle
· Lake Macquarie
· Lismore
· Lithgow
· Mid Coast
· Mid-Western
· Muswellbrook
· Nambucca
· Narrabri
· Oberon
· Penrith
· Port Macquarie-Hastings
· Queanbeyan-Palerang
· Richmond Valley
· Shoalhaven
· Singleton
· Snowy Monaro
· Snowy Valleys
· Sutherland
· Tamworth
· Tenterfield
· Tweed
· Upper Hunter
· Upper Lachlan
· Uralla
· Walcha
· Wingecarribee
· Wollondilly
Victoria
· East Gippsland
· Towong
Updated at 3.22pm AEDT
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1h ago15:18
Luke Henriques-Gomes
The government has suspended Centrelink’s welfare debt recovery operations and mutual obligation requirements for jobseekers living in bushfire-affected areas.
It should allay fears that people receiving benefits, including potentially volunteer firefighters, could have their payments suspended during the crisis.
Scott Morrison said the suspension will be in place for two months before it is reviewed. The same arrangements will be in place for the Australian Taxation Office.
As Amy has noted, the government will also establish 20 Services Australia (Centrelink and Medicare) pop-up shopfronts, which will be welcome news for those in fire-affected communities that have had difficulties today.
Stuart Cameron, who has been evacuated to Bega after fire threatened his family home near Bermagui, told the Guardian on Monday some stranded locals had gathered outside the Centrelink this morning frustrated that it was closed.
“... in just a couple of minutes there two women arrived saying that they had been seeking to apply for the crisis payment and had been directed to the office from the evacuation centre,” he said.
Updated at 3.20pm AEDT
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1h ago15:09
And on the immediate priorities of the new National Disaster Recovery Agency:
Build on the effective working relationships with state, territory and local governments, including their recovery and reconstruction bodies, and to work with stakeholders in bushfire-affected communities and relevant commonwealth agencies to inform and integrate recovery and rebuild activities.
Ensuring affected communities have ready access to meaningful support and all available services.
Providing advice and recommendations to government on the economic and social impacts of bushfire on affected communities, in consultation with relevant agencies across all levels of government.
Developing and coordinating the delivery of a long-term plan for the recovery, rebuild and resilience of bushfire-affected communities.
Updated at 3.18pm AEDT
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1h ago15:08
Stuart Robert, the minister for government services, has provided an update on what Services Australia has been doing:
Services Australia staff will join Australian Defence Force personnel heading into bushfire-affected areas as part of an all of federal government effort.
At least 20 mobile service teams will deploy into affected regions in New South Wales’ south coast and Victoria’s East Gippsland to offer on-the-ground assistance.
Two mobile service centres will also deploy to these regions.
The fastest way to claim disaster payments is to call 180 22 66.
Over $26m has already been provided in Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payments (AGDRP) and Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA) in declared Local Government Areas.
Nearly 22,000 claims have been processed since 16 September 2019.
Updated at 3.17pm AEDT
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They will have two days to clean up and make gains on blazes still burning ahead of Wednesday when temperatures are predicted to rise.
A “watch and act” alert was issued for Stokes Bay near Lathami Conservation Park on the island’s north coast early on Monday as a scrub fire threatened the area.
A bushfire advice remains in place for the western half of the island with the eastern edge of the fireground extending from the north to the south coast.
Already the fires there have wiped out about a third of the 160km-long island and taken with them about half of the local koala population. Farmers are being forced to shoot dead burnt livestock.
It follows the tragic news that the blazes had claimed the lives of father and son locals Dick and Clayton Lang.
Meanwhile, as the crisis continues to make headlines overseas one of America’s largest and most battle-hardened firefighting agencies said it stands ready to help their “Australian brothers and sisters” – but has not been asked.
Cal Fire, California’s main firefighting agency, is willing to send firefighters to Australia to help battle the catastrophic bushfires. But the US government has not issued a request at the state level.
US federal agencies have answered Australia’s call by sending more than 100 firefighters, including some from California.
The Australian devastation has been a major news story in the US in the past week and Cal Fire took to Twitter to explain to concerned Californians why it has not deployed to Australia.
“Having experienced firsthand the devastation that wildfires can create, we share your concern about the wildfires currently ravaging Australia and are closely monitoring the situation,” Cal Fire said on Twitter.
“While we are ready to lend our support at any moment, it is strategically vital that we do not self-deploy and that we work with the international aide system.”
US and Australian firefighting agencies have built strong bonds with exchanges of resources in times of need over the past 15 years.
Australian firefighters helped California when the state faced historic fires in the past two years.
Cal Fire has 6500 employees and the force jumps to 9000 with the addition of seasonal firefighters during the fire season.
“We work closely with our Australian brothers and sisters in the fire service and will continue to foster our relationship and ongoing collaboration,” Cal Fire said.
“We stand with the people of Australia who have supported us during our catastrophic wildfires and continue to stand ready to answer their call.”
-with AAP
Mon 6 Jan 2020 11.58
AEDTLast modified on Mon 6 Jan 2020 14.39 AEDT
New Zealand sends troops to help with Australian bushfires as Pacific nations offer support
Jacinda Ardern says country ready to repay Australia for its help through a tough 2019 as Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu offer money and troops
Eleanor Ainge Roy in Dunedin and Kate Lyons
Day turns to night in the town of Adaminaby, New South Wales, as fires approach. Australia has received offers of troops and support from its regional allies, including New Zealand. Photograph: Mike Bowers/The Guardian
Australia’s neighbouring countries, including New Zealand, Vanuatu and Papua New Guinea, have offered support as the country continues to fight massive bushfires burning in New South Wales and Victoria.
Members of the New Zealand military are en route to Australia to assist with the efforts, adding to the 157 New Zealand firefighters already deployed in Australia, some of whom have been assisting their Australian colleagues since October.
New Zealand’s minister of defence, Ron Mark, said more help was urgently needed because the fires showed no signs of abating and thousands of people and homes remained in harm’s way.
Australia stood by us through some horrific moments in 2019, and we’re here to do the same. Jacinda Ardern
Three Royal New Zealand Air Force NH90 helicopters and crew, two army combat engineer sections and command elements have been sent to support the Australian Defence Force. They will be deployed at the Edinburgh defence base in Adelaide, South Australia, and are expected to remain until at least the end of January.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern posted on Facebook: “This is by no means the only thing we can do to help, and we’re at the ready and talking to our neighbours frequently.”
Australia fires live: NSW and Victoria bushfires heap pressure on Scott Morrison – latest updates
Read more
On Friday, Ardern announced an additional 22 New Zealand firefighters would come to Australia. “It’s been devastating to watch from afar, I can only imagine what it feels like to experience it directly,” Ardern said.
“I’ve been in contact with the Australian PM again this week to share our support and to offer whatever we can to help. Australia stood by us through some horrific moments in 2019, and we’re here to do the same.”
James Marape, the prime minister of Papua New Guinea, said 1,000 soldiers and firefighters from his country were standing by, ready to be deployed if requested by his Australian counterpart Scott Morrison, with whom Marape said he had been in “constant contact over the last few weeks”.
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“Australia is the closest friend of PNG and is always the first in PNG in our times of adversities and we offer our hearts and our hands to you in this time of fire-induced tragedies,” Marape said in a statement.
The governor of Papua New Guinea’s National Capital District also called for PNG to support Australia, saying that the governments of the two countries should look to establish a pipeline that would allow PNG to pipe water to Australia during the dry season.
Meanwhile on Sunday night, the government of Vanuatu pledged 20m vatu (AU$250,000) to assist the Rural Fire Service.
“As a Pacific neighbour and friend, we have watched as Australia has been devastated by these horrific bushfires. We offer whatever assistance we can in this time of need, as Australia has always done in ours,” said acting prime minister Jotham Napat.
Napat said his country had “watched in awe” at the work of the volunteer firefighters. “It shows the true Australian spirit and one which we are very proud of, as your friend and neighbour.”
Fijian prime minister Frank Bainimarama tweeted that he had “written to Scott Morrison to offer Fiji’s assistance in any way we can to deal with this crisis.”
As the climate crisis escalates...
… the Guardian will not stay quiet. This is our pledge: we will continue to give global heating, wildlife extinction and pollution the urgent attention and prominence they demand. The Guardian recognises the climate emergency as the defining issue of our times.
We chose a different approach: to keep Guardian journalism open for all. We don't have a paywall because we believe everyone deserves access to factual information, regardless of where they live or what they can afford to pay.
Our editorial independence means we are free to investigate and challenge inaction by those in power. We will inform our readers about threats to the environment based on scientific facts, not driven by commercial or political interests. And we have made several important changes to our style guide to ensure the language we use accurately reflects the environmental catastrophe.
The Guardian believes that the problems we face on the climate crisis are systemic and that fundamental societal change is needed. We will keep reporting on the efforts of individuals and communities around the world who are fearlessly taking a stand for future generations and the preservation of human life on earth. We want their stories to inspire hope. We will also report back on our own progress as an organisation, as we take important steps to address our impact on the environment.
We hope you will consider supporting us today. We need your support to keep delivering quality journalism that’s open and independent. Every reader contribution, however big or small, is so valuable. Support The Guardian from as little as $1 – and it only takes a minute. Thank you.
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Australia’s neighbouring countries, including New Zealand, Vanuatu and Papua New Guinea, have offered support as the country continues to fight massive bushfires burning in New South Wales and Victoria.
Members of the New Zealand military are en route to Australia to assist with the efforts, adding to the 157 New Zealand firefighters already deployed in Australia, some of whom have been assisting their Australian colleagues since October.
New Zealand’s minister of defence, Ron Mark, said more help was urgently needed because the fires showed no signs of abating and thousands of people and homes remained in harm’s way.
Australia stood by us through some horrific moments in 2019, and we’re here to do the same. Jacinda Ardern
Three Royal New Zealand Air Force NH90 helicopters and crew, two army combat engineer sections and command elements have been sent to support the Australian Defence Force. They will be deployed at the Edinburgh defence base in Adelaide, South Australia, and are expected to remain until at least the end of January.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern posted on Facebook: “This is by no means the only thing we can do to help, and we’re at the ready and talking to our neighbours frequently.”
Australia fires live: NSW and Victoria bushfires heap pressure on Scott Morrison – latest updates
Read more
On Friday, Ardern announced an additional 22 New Zealand firefighters would come to Australia. “It’s been devastating to watch from afar, I can only imagine what it feels like to experience it directly,” Ardern said.
“I’ve been in contact with the Australian PM again this week to share our support and to offer whatever we can to help. Australia stood by us through some horrific moments in 2019, and we’re here to do the same.”
James Marape, the prime minister of Papua New Guinea, said 1,000 soldiers and firefighters from his country were standing by, ready to be deployed if requested by his Australian counterpart Scott Morrison, with whom Marape said he had been in “constant contact over the last few weeks”.
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“Australia is the closest friend of PNG and is always the first in PNG in our times of adversities and we offer our hearts and our hands to you in this time of fire-induced tragedies,” Marape said in a statement.
The governor of Papua New Guinea’s National Capital District also called for PNG to support Australia, saying that the governments of the two countries should look to establish a pipeline that would allow PNG to pipe water to Australia during the dry season.
Meanwhile on Sunday night, the government of Vanuatu pledged 20m vatu (AU$250,000) to assist the Rural Fire Service.
“As a Pacific neighbour and friend, we have watched as Australia has been devastated by these horrific bushfires. We offer whatever assistance we can in this time of need, as Australia has always done in ours,” said acting prime minister Jotham Napat.
Napat said his country had “watched in awe” at the work of the volunteer firefighters. “It shows the true Australian spirit and one which we are very proud of, as your friend and neighbour.”
Fijian prime minister Frank Bainimarama tweeted that he had “written to Scott Morrison to offer Fiji’s assistance in any way we can to deal with this crisis.”
As the climate crisis escalates...
… the Guardian will not stay quiet. This is our pledge: we will continue to give global heating, wildlife extinction and pollution the urgent attention and prominence they demand. The Guardian recognises the climate emergency as the defining issue of our times.
We chose a different approach: to keep Guardian journalism open for all. We don't have a paywall because we believe everyone deserves access to factual information, regardless of where they live or what they can afford to pay.
Our editorial independence means we are free to investigate and challenge inaction by those in power. We will inform our readers about threats to the environment based on scientific facts, not driven by commercial or political interests. And we have made several important changes to our style guide to ensure the language we use accurately reflects the environmental catastrophe.
The Guardian believes that the problems we face on the climate crisis are systemic and that fundamental societal change is needed. We will keep reporting on the efforts of individuals and communities around the world who are fearlessly taking a stand for future generations and the preservation of human life on earth. We want their stories to inspire hope. We will also report back on our own progress as an organisation, as we take important steps to address our impact on the environment.
We hope you will consider supporting us today. We need your support to keep delivering quality journalism that’s open and independent. Every reader contribution, however big or small, is so valuable. Support The Guardian from as little as $1 – and it only takes a minute. Thank you.
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Mon 6 Jan 2020 16.15
AEDTFirst published on Mon 6 Jan 2020 07.57 AEDT
Australia fires live: NSW and Victoria bushfires heap pressure on Scott Morrison – latest updates
The PM’s handling of the Australian bushfire crisis comes under further scrutiny as NSW and Victorian towns gain brief reprieve from fires. Follow the latest news and live updates
LIVE Updated 4m ago
Australia fires live: NSW and Victoria bushfires heap pressure on Scott Morrison – latest updates
The PM’s handling of the Australian bushfire crisis comes under further scrutiny as NSW and Victorian towns gain brief reprieve from fires. Follow the latest news and live updates
LIVE Updated 4m ago
NSW fires and Victoria bushfires live: follow latest news and updates on the Australian bushfire crisis. People seek refuge on the wharf at Eden, on the NSW far south coast. Photograph: Andrew Quilty
Amy Remeikis
Comments2,436
2h ago'Surplus is of no focus to me,' Scott Morrison says
2h ago$2bn national bushfire recovery fund established
3h agoVictoria establishes new agency 'Bushfire Recovery Victoria'
3h ago'Long way to go,' says Daniel Andrews
4h agoRussell Crowe uses Golden Globes win to shine light on climate change
4h agoWhat we know
6h ago'Management by news grab'
4m ago16:15
I am about to log off for the day, but Naaman Zhou is standing by to take my place.
To recap the main points of the day
Two people remain missing in NSW
Amy Remeikis
Comments2,436
2h ago'Surplus is of no focus to me,' Scott Morrison says
2h ago$2bn national bushfire recovery fund established
3h agoVictoria establishes new agency 'Bushfire Recovery Victoria'
3h ago'Long way to go,' says Daniel Andrews
4h agoRussell Crowe uses Golden Globes win to shine light on climate change
4h agoWhat we know
6h ago'Management by news grab'
4m ago16:15
I am about to log off for the day, but Naaman Zhou is standing by to take my place.
To recap the main points of the day
Two people remain missing in NSW
No emergency alert fires are burning, but there are still many watch and act warnings in place
Cooler conditions have given fire fighters are chance for shift change overs and a rest, as well as working on containment lines
Dangerous fire conditions are forecast for the end of the week, so the reprieve will not last long
The evacuation order has been lifted in Victoria, but the disaster order remains
The government has committed $2bn over two years to a disaster recovery management fund, to be administrated by the Andrew Colvin led National Disaster Recovery Agency.
Victoria has also established a standing disaster recovery agency, to be led by former police commissioner Ken Lay
The surplus is basically kaput
I will leave you in the exceptionally capable hands of Naaman. Please - take care of you.
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11m ago16:08
The Insurance Council of Australia has confirmed those figures Josh Frydenberg gave during the press conference:
Since September 5, insurers have handled more than 6000 insurance claims from bushfire regions of New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia and Victoria. Insurance losses are estimated at $431 million this bushfire season.
13m ago16:07
Scott Morrison
✔@ScottMorrisonMP
Thank you to the US, Canada, NZ and Singapore, who are providing support to help us fight these terrible #bushfires, including firefighters, helicopters and troops. We deeply appreciate the many other international friends who have offered support.
261
4:03 PM - Jan 6, 2020
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17m ago16:02
The Australia Institute has responded to the government’s funding announcement. From its statement:
The Australia Institute has welcomed the government’s $2bn bushfire recovery fund announcement, but has questioned why regular Australian taxpayers are being asked to pay when a levy on fossil fuel producers would be a more appropriate way to raise the required funding.
“Regular Australians should not be forced to pay while fossil fuel producers are being let off scot-free,” says Ebony Bennett, deputy director of The Australia Institute.
“A modest levy on fossil fuel producers would help to shift the economic burden of these disasters from regular Australians to the coal and gas companies that are fuelling the climate crisis.
“A surplus is just an economic tool, not a policy goal in itself, and while we welcome the government’s change in rhetoric regarding the need for a budget surplus, it’s disappointing that the Australian community will be left to pick up the tab for yet another climate-fuelled disaster.
Updated at 4.07pm AEDT
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18m ago16:01
Scott Morrison
✔@ScottMorrisonMP
Thank you @EmmanuelMacron and all our international friends who have reached out to offer their support and are providing assistance in our time of need. https://twitter.com/EmmanuelMacron/status/1213887966692679681 …
Emmanuel Macron
✔@EmmanuelMacron
I express our solidarity with the Australian people in the face of wildfires that are currently ravaging their country. I called @ScottMorrisonMP this morning to offer immediate French operational assistance to fight fires, protect affected population and preserve biodiversity.
103
4:00 PM - Jan 6, 2020
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27m ago15:52
Russell Crowe has shown everyone his fire truck supplies (wait to the end):
Russell Crowe
✔@russellcrowe
Thanks to the @goldenglobes .
What a cast I got to work with.
Naomi Watts, @WallisAnnabelle Sienna Miller, Aleksa Palladino @JoshStamberg @SethMacFarlane Simon McBurney and everybody else. They created a complete world. Their commitment, sensitivity and courage was inspiring.
2,840
2:10 PM - Jan 6, 2020
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628 people are talking about this
Updated at 3.59pm AEDT
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33m ago15:46
Andrew Greene
✔@AndrewBGreene
The @AustralianArmy Reserve is on its way for Operation Bushfire Assist! Members of 5th Brigade are today travelling to the Snowy Mountains to provide support to devastated communities
4
3:43 PM - Jan 6, 2020
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38m ago15:41
Having lived through this for the past week or so, I hope anyone impacted by the smoke at the moment is OK.
EPA Victoria
✔@EPA_Victoria
Impacts from smoke are being experienced across the state of Victoria today and are expected to last until Thursday. Minimise time spent in smoky conditions where practical.
Latest air quality info: http://ow.ly/8bvK50xNDh4
Emergency information and warnings: @vicemergency
EPA AirWatchepa.vic.gov.au
75
11:52 AM - Jan 6, 2020
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39m ago15:40
💧Prof Dr Marcia Langton AM 🐯 (@marcialangton)
🖤💛❤️The best way to donate to Victorian Kooris affected by the fires is to donate gift cards for Woolworths, Coles, Target and petrol on January 8 at the Victorian Aboriginal Education Association at 44 Westbourne Gove, Northcote
January 8 at @VAEAI NorthcoteJanuary 5, 2020
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39m ago15:40
As my colleague Bridie Jabour has pointed out already, there are going to be a lot of confused toddlers looking for Emma, but I can think of a lot of parents who will be excited by this.
Nick Evershed (@NickEvershed)
the original wiggles are doing a bushfire fundraiser concert (unsure who the target market is for OG wiggles but good on em nonetheless) pic.twitter.com/wQsTeRngY0January 6, 2020
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44m ago15:35
NSW RFS (@NSWRFS)
Good news from @BegaValleyShire for the residents of Bega, Tathra, Merimbula, Pambula, Eden, Bermagui and villages to the north and south, with news that they can now return. With areas of active fire still around, residents need to monitor conditions and travel with care #nswrfsJanuary 6, 2020
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49m ago15:31
Shane Warne has put his baggy green cap up for auction for bushfire relief.
Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne)Please bid here https://t.co/kZMhGkmcxspic.twitter.com/ZhpeWQxqY7January 6, 2020
Updated at 3.34pm AEDT
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51m ago15:28
This is ongoing.
Malcolm Turnbull (@TurnbullMalcolm)
The National Energy Guarantee was a cohérent integration of climate and energy policy. It was sabotaged by the right wing of the coalition and their supporters in the media and coal lobby and finally abandoned by Morrison Government. It should be reinstated now.January 6, 2020
Updated at 3.30pm AEDT
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1h ago15:23
The CFMEU construction division has donated $100,000 to bushfire relief.
It is calling on others within the construction industry to do what they can.
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1h ago15:20
You can read the whole announcement Scott Morrison just made, here:
Political Alert (@political_alert)
Prime Minister @ScottMorrisonMP media release announcing the establishment of a National Bushfire Recovery Agency #auspol #AustraliaFires pic.twitter.com/YR0gViWoiVJanuary 6, 2020
Updated at 3.22pm AEDT
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1h ago15:18
Luke Henriques-Gomes
The local government areas affected are listed below:
New South Wales
· Armidale
· Ballina
· Bega Valley
· Bellingen
· Blue Mountains
· Byron
· Central Coast
· Cessnock
· Clarence Valley
· Coffs Harbour
· Eurobodalla
· Glen Innes Severn
· Greater Hume
· Gwydir
· Hawkesbury
· Inverell
· Kempsey
· Ku-ring-gai
· Kyogle
· Lake Macquarie
· Lismore
· Lithgow
· Mid Coast
· Mid-Western
· Muswellbrook
· Nambucca
· Narrabri
· Oberon
· Penrith
· Port Macquarie-Hastings
· Queanbeyan-Palerang
· Richmond Valley
· Shoalhaven
· Singleton
· Snowy Monaro
· Snowy Valleys
· Sutherland
· Tamworth
· Tenterfield
· Tweed
· Upper Hunter
· Upper Lachlan
· Uralla
· Walcha
· Wingecarribee
· Wollondilly
Victoria
· East Gippsland
· Towong
Updated at 3.22pm AEDT
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1h ago15:18
Luke Henriques-Gomes
The government has suspended Centrelink’s welfare debt recovery operations and mutual obligation requirements for jobseekers living in bushfire-affected areas.
It should allay fears that people receiving benefits, including potentially volunteer firefighters, could have their payments suspended during the crisis.
Scott Morrison said the suspension will be in place for two months before it is reviewed. The same arrangements will be in place for the Australian Taxation Office.
As Amy has noted, the government will also establish 20 Services Australia (Centrelink and Medicare) pop-up shopfronts, which will be welcome news for those in fire-affected communities that have had difficulties today.
Stuart Cameron, who has been evacuated to Bega after fire threatened his family home near Bermagui, told the Guardian on Monday some stranded locals had gathered outside the Centrelink this morning frustrated that it was closed.
“... in just a couple of minutes there two women arrived saying that they had been seeking to apply for the crisis payment and had been directed to the office from the evacuation centre,” he said.
Updated at 3.20pm AEDT
FacebookTwitter
Advertisement
1h ago15:09
And on the immediate priorities of the new National Disaster Recovery Agency:
Build on the effective working relationships with state, territory and local governments, including their recovery and reconstruction bodies, and to work with stakeholders in bushfire-affected communities and relevant commonwealth agencies to inform and integrate recovery and rebuild activities.
Ensuring affected communities have ready access to meaningful support and all available services.
Providing advice and recommendations to government on the economic and social impacts of bushfire on affected communities, in consultation with relevant agencies across all levels of government.
Developing and coordinating the delivery of a long-term plan for the recovery, rebuild and resilience of bushfire-affected communities.
Updated at 3.18pm AEDT
FacebookTwitter
1h ago15:08
Stuart Robert, the minister for government services, has provided an update on what Services Australia has been doing:
Services Australia staff will join Australian Defence Force personnel heading into bushfire-affected areas as part of an all of federal government effort.
At least 20 mobile service teams will deploy into affected regions in New South Wales’ south coast and Victoria’s East Gippsland to offer on-the-ground assistance.
Two mobile service centres will also deploy to these regions.
The fastest way to claim disaster payments is to call 180 22 66.
Over $26m has already been provided in Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payments (AGDRP) and Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA) in declared Local Government Areas.
Nearly 22,000 claims have been processed since 16 September 2019.
Updated at 3.17pm AEDT
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