A RECOVERY co-ordinator has been appointed by the NSW Government to manage recovery efforts in the Warrumbungle Shire following significant bush fire activity in the past fortnight.
Former NSW Police western regional commander Steve Bradshaw, who lives at Narrabri, will take on the task, NSW Emergency Services Minister Michael Gallacher said.
“Steve Bradshaw left the NSW Police Force following a career spanning 41 years including five years as the Commander of Western Region. He has a great deal of local knowledge. He is a well-respected figure in this part of the State,” Mr Gallacher said.
“Mr Bradshaw has the mix of qualities to connect with the community to understand what their needs are, as well as to work with State, Local and Commonwealth agencies and NGOs to pull together recovery operations and make sure all the disaster assistance measures are properly coordinated."
The Recovery Coordinator will work closely with the Recovery Committee, chaired by the Mayor Peter Shinton, to provide leadership and support.
“With over 50 homes destroyed and many other homes and properties damaged, the Recovery Coordinator will clearly have priorities around short and long term accommodation, clean up and ensuring people receive appropriate psychological support,” Mr Gallacher said.
“There are other impacts too, which must not be overlooked, including the significant damage to the local economy caused by the wide spread destruction of the Warrumbungle National Park and also the Siding Springs Observatory.
The NSW Cabinet was also briefed on the fire situation across NSW by Rural Fire Service Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons, Deputy RFS Commissioner Rob Rogers, Fire and Rescue Commissioner Greg Mullins, Acting Police Commissioner Nick Kaldas and Acting Deputy Police Commissioner Mike Fuller.
The appointment of a Recovery Coordinator supports the range of assistance measures already available in nominated areas under the Natural Disaster Assistance Schemes, including grants for people on low incomes with no insurance, whose homes and essential household items have been destroyed by the bush fires.
Inquiries about disaster relief grants and the eligibility criteria can be made by calling 1800 018 444.
In addition to the Natural Disaster Assistance Schemes for Primary Producers, including Loans and Transport Subsidies, the Department of Primary Industries and NSW Farmers have teamed up to establish a fodder donation register to assist farmers affected by bush fire. To register fodder please call 1800 814 647.
To support community recovery in Warrumbungle Shire a Recovery Centre is open in the Community Hall at 27-29 John Street Coonabarabran.
It is being managed by Council staff and has representatives from Disaster Welfare Services (Ministry for Police and Emergency Services), NSW Housing, Department of Primary Industries, Mental and Community Health, Rural Support, Legal Aid, the Insurance Council of Australia, local banks, the Rural Fire Service and Centrelink.
Local Member and Minister for Western NSW Kevin Humphries welcomed Mr Bradshaw’s appointment as the region’s Recovery Coordinator.
“The ongoing bush fires through the Warrumbungle Shire Council are some of the biggest the State has seen in a decade and will require a significant recovery operation,” Mr Humphries said.
“Mr Bradshaw’s local knowledge and his experience as a high ranking police officer will be a great asset to our local communities as they start to get back on their feet
“Help is now available for those who need it and I would encourage people whose lives have been adversely affected by the current bush fire crisis to get in contact with the Recovery Centre.”
