NSW Government bushfire clean-up meets initial 30 June 2020 target as rebuild begins

The Deputy Premier and Minister responsible for Disaster Recovery John Barilaro visited Cobargo today and met with the Morrison family to view their cleared property and discuss plans to rebuild. 

“As the majority of the clean-up is completed and rebuild begins, the NSW Government has committed $26 million in funding to assist some of the hardest hit families to rebuild their homes,” Mr Barilaro said. 

“The Disaster Welfare Rebuild Program will rebuild the houses of up to 100 families who own their land but have no means to replace it.
 
“The program will be further supported by a NSW Government Housing Strategy which is currently in development through Resilience NSW.”

Mr Barilaro said that when Laing O’Rourke was appointed as the contractor to oversee the clean-up back in late January 2020, the target was to clear 2800 properties by 30 June 2020 and this has now been reached.
 
“It is my priority that no one is left behind, that is why we launched Operation Outreach, to actively seek out any other property owners who need assistance,” Mr Barilaro said.
 
“This has resulted in an additional 900 eligible properties, which we expect to be cleared by the end of July 2020.”
 
Member for Bega Andrew Constance said the progress of the clean-up is remarkable, steaming ahead amidst a global pandemic, inclement weather, all whilst providing 1000 jobs with 99% of contracts awarded to local and regional subcontractors.

“Our commitment from day one has been to help the people of NSW get back on their feet and am pleased to be focussing on the next stage which is rebuilding homes,” Mr Constance said.
 
“Our support does not have a cut-off date. We urge anyone who needs assistance with accommodation to call Service NSW on 133 77 88.”