Bushfire Recovery Shoalhaven

19 August 2020

A reinforced concrete bridge across School Creek, Budgong will soon be complete, just seven months after the fires that burnt 80 percent of the Shoalhaven, including five bridges.

Shoalhaven City Council Mayor, Amanda Findley said “The School Creek bridge has been constructed relatively quickly with a crane lifting into place factory-made bridge decks, prepared in Newcastle, ready for the final concrete pour.”

"All that remained of the bridge after it was destroyed by fire, on January 4, were the concrete piers," said Clr Findley.

"Understandably local residents have found the lack of a bridge difficult, especially following the trauma of the fires. Without a bridge, the journey to Nowra or Kangaroo Valley could take an hour by car. Thankfully a landowner has generously allowed some local vehicles under a temporary 2 tonne culvert crossing via private property, but that has been dry weather dependent," she said.

"Council has worked as quickly as possible to rebuild infrastructure damaged by the fires with more fire resilient replacements which has taken time to secure funding, finalise tenders and arrange contracts. It is heartening to see Budgong residents can now enjoy a high-quality concrete bridge, a replacement for the previous aged timber bridge," said Clr Findley.

Shoalhaven Council was the first local government authority to place an order for the InQuik bridge at School Creek and Toomboolomobah in the Shoalhaven area, and as a result have led the way for other municipalities to use this type of fast track installation. InQuik has now been commissioned to install over 20 bridges as a result of the Currowan fire.

"It is also pleasing that all businesses and workers involved in the reconstruction, earthworks and cranage are local and/or regional NSW-based businesses. Contractor Inquik's internationally patented Bridging System has enabled the bridge to be built quickly and providing an enduring permanent solution at a competitive cost to temporary bridging solutions thanks to the innovative semi-modular construction method," said Clr Findley.

The replacement of the bridge over School Creek on Bugong Road is the last of the five destroyed bridges in the Shoalhaven to be replaced as a result of the Currowan fire, and just one the significant achievements of Council and its Recovery Committee.

Currowan & Comberton Fires - Statistics Snapshot

Following the devastating flora and fauna loss from the bushfires, feeding and water stations were set up with remote camera surveillance in late February.

This footage has aided in research, providing researchers with a better understanding of the animals in the area, with cameras deployed in Manyana, Kangaroo Valley, Corramy Reserve and Tomerong. Kangaroos (Eastern Grey), Wallabies (Swamp & Red-Necked), Brush-tailed possums, Wombats, and an array of birds including Ravens, Bowerbirds, Parrots, magpies and ducks have been spotted.

Council continues to conduct surveys and collaborates with NSW Agencies.

View some of the footage here.

The 4424 7888 Bushfire Recovery and COVID-19 Mental Health Support Line has been established to provide an easy point of access for anyone feeling overwhelmed or dealing with difficult emotions in response to the 2019/20 bushfires and/or the COVID -19 pandemic.

The Bushfire Recovery Co-ordinators are locally-based mental health professionals who listen compassionately and support you to recognise your strengths, understand and manage your emotions and focus on your self care. They can help to identify and connect you with other appropriate supports.

The Support Line operates Monday to Friday from 8:30 - 4:00. Simply call the number and a clinician will either speak to you directly or will be in touch with you as soon as possible. The phone call will be directed by you and is an opportunity to talk through your concerns and find ways to look after yourself and your emotional health. The support line staff also provides information on longer-term support.

All calls are confidential. Support Line clinicians will not disclose information regarding your name, personal reactions, feelings, or concerns unless it is with your consent so appropriate referrals can be made, or if staff are required to by law.

Contact the Mental Health Bushfire Recovery and COVID-19 Mental Health Support Line on 4424 7888 between 8:30 - 4:30 Monday to Friday.

Please call the Mental Health Access Line on 1800 011 511 Lifeline on 13 11 14 after hours.

For urgent assistance, call 000 or contact your local hospital Emergency Department.

27 February 2020

Many people have found the recent bushfire events distressing and emotionally challenging and are experiencing sadness, sleep disturbance, fear and anxiety. It is important to understand that competent, healthy, strong people have similar feelings or responses and that these response may be experienced immediately after the bushfires or much later on. Having these distressing thoughts and feelings after such an event is normal. When these responses persist or significantly impact on someone's ability to return to usual activities additional support may be needed.

Children, in particular, absorb the tension, uncertainty, confusion and fear around them following traumatic events. For specific information on how to support young people, please visit the Trauma and Grief Network website.

If you experience persistent thoughts or feelings that interfere with your life please talk to your General Practitioner or health care provider.

The following free services are available 24 hours, seven days a week:

Many people will have found the recent bushfire events distressing or emotionally challenging. People can react in a variety of ways to these experiences.

Many people may experience sadness, sleep disturbance, fear or anxiety. It is important to understand that many competent, healthy, strong people will have similar feelings or responses. The response may be experienced immediately or sometimes much later.

Having distressing thoughts and feelings after such events is normal and not a sign of personal weakness. However, when these responses persist or significantly impact on your ability to return to your usual activities it may be necessary to seek additional support.

In particular, children absorb the tension, uncertainty, confusion and fear around them following traumatic events. Try to create a sense of calm. Reassure children that they are safe and that there is someone there to take care of them.

Recovery from exposure to traumatic events is often helped by talking it over with others. People who readily use formal and informal support from family, friends, clergy or other supports generally recover better from stressful situations - prevention is better than cure.

If you experience persistent issues (thoughts or feelings) that interfere with your life you are encouraged to talk to your General Practitioner or health care provider.

In NSW you can contact your local mental health service via the NSW Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511.

Further information and resources are available on the NSW Health website.

For specific information on how to support children in response to this event, please see the following resource prepared by the Australian Child and Adolescent Trauma, Loss and Grief Network.