Minister for the Central Coast David Harris, Federal Member for Robertson Dr Gordon Reid and Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch joined Premier for NSW Chris Minns and Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib for a briefing on the situation from emergency services agencies at Gosford RSL before inspecting the fire-impacted area on Sunday.
Several homes in Koolewong have been destroyed or damaged by the fire that started on Saturday and soon spread out of control in the hot and windy conditions.
An evacuation centre was set up at Gosford RSL to accommodate many of the families forced to flee the fires.
The local members praised the efforts of emergency services, including the Rural Fire Service and Fire and Rescue NSW crews who worked tirelessly to protect people and property in difficult terrain and conditions throughout the weekend.
Thankfully, no lives have been lost in the Koolewong fires.
The Central Coast was one of six NSW LGAs to have a Natural Disaster Declaration activated by the Albanese and Minns Governments on Sunday.
The declaration enables support to be made available under the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), providing assistance to communities including:
- Assistance for eligible residents to help meet immediate needs like emergency accommodation and essential items.
- Grants for low-income, uninsured residents to replace lost essential household items to maintain basic standard of living.
- Grants for low-income, uninsured residents to undertake essential structural repairs to restore their homes to a basic, safe and habitable condition.
- Loans for non-profit organisations up to $25,000.
- Financial support towards counter disaster activity undertaken by emergency service organisations to keep communities safe.
- Central Coast Council will be provided with support to remove debris and for the reconstruction of essential public infrastructure.
Community members affected by the bushfires should contact Service NSW on 13 77 88 or visit service.nsw.gov.au to access information on disaster assistance, grants, and recovery support.
The Minns Labor Government understands people want to help, but we ask the community not to send physical donations. The best way to support those affected is by donating through GIVIT, our official disaster relief partner at https://www.givit.org.au/
Minister for the Central Coast David Harris said: “My heart goes out to all the people in our community who have had their homes destroyed or damaged or have been impacted in some way by these fires.
“The NSW Government is with you, and we will stay with you through this emergency and the recovery that follows.
“My heartfelt thanks go to the RFS and all volunteers who are fighting these fires and the many other services people who are wrapping all kinds of support around our community members in this time of their greatest need.
“A particular shout out to Gosford RSL for so quickly offering their premises to accommodate evacuated families and act as a base for our emergency services. It’s moments like these that highlight the important role clubs play in our community.
“And thank you to all the businesses, community organisations and individuals who are giving so generously to those impacted.
“Your generosity is amazing but not surprising, because Coasties always come together in times of need.”
Federal Member for Robertson Dr Gordon Reid said: “My thoughts are with all those families who have lost their homes or have experienced damage to their properties during these fires.
“I want to thank our incredible emergency services personnel including the NSW Rural Fire Service and NSW Fire and Rescue who have been working tirelessly to get this fire contained.
“The Australian and NSW Governments have now declared the Central Coast Local Government Area a Natural Disaster Zone.
“This means for those impacted by the fires, disaster assistance is now available.
“Over the next several days, my office and I will do everything we can to support our community as it recovers from this tragedy.”
Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch said: “To the people who have lost their homes, to those who I have met and those I have yet to meet, know that we are here.
“Our community is wrapping around you with love and the NSW Government will be there to support you as you rebuild and recover.
“In times of crisis our Central Coast community comes together and our community will move forward as one in recovering from this disaster.
“I would like to send a massive shoutout to our emergency services teams, who have protected our community. Your heroic work cannot be repaid and our gratitude is beyond words.
“I encourage the community to keep reaching out to myself and my team, we are here to support you in any way we can.”
