Bushfire Recovery Shoalhaven

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A lot has happened, and we know it has not been easy, particularly with COVID-19 pausing some community connection recovery activities. Recovery takes time and is different for everyone. We are all affected by disasters in our own personal way.


Council's Recovery page is here to support our community. If you have been affected, there are a range of assistance measures available to support you. The recovery journey can be a complex one with many challenges. We have seen and continue to see extraordinary compassion and kindness shown to our community. Let us remember to stay connected a

A lot has happened, and we know it has not been easy, particularly with COVID-19 pausing some community connection recovery activities. Recovery takes time and is different for everyone. We are all affected by disasters in our own personal way.


Council's Recovery page is here to support our community. If you have been affected, there are a range of assistance measures available to support you. The recovery journey can be a complex one with many challenges. We have seen and continue to see extraordinary compassion and kindness shown to our community. Let us remember to stay connected and support each other.


This page aims to support our community through the recovery journey by providing contacts and information updates. If you need help and support, there is a range of assistance available for you, even if it is just someone to listen.


Council is working collaboratively with Federal and State Government and agencies, the Shoalhaven Health & Wellbeing Network, not-for-profit organisations, charities and many others to deliver this assistance.


For detailed information about the assistance available refer to the Frequently Asked Questions and Important Links on this webpage.

You can call Council's 4429 5888 helpline dedicated to bushfire recovery assistance, during business hours. The team are here to support you on every step of your recovery journey either within Council or by connecting you with the right community or government support.

Recovery services can also be accessed through Service NSW on 13 77 88 from 7am to 7pm every day or online at www.service.nsw.gov.au for locations of Service NSW, and Mobile Service Centres. If you'd prefer, you can contact an agency directly.

Updated 6 December 2023

  • Building Bridges Through Shoalhaven Bushfire Recovery Effort

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    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 2019/2020 - Statistics Snapshot

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    Currowan & Comberton Fires - Statistics Snapshot

  • Shoalhaven City Council Clarification of Bushfire Recovery Scope of Works

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    24 June 2020

    Shoalhaven City Council Clarification of Bushfire Recovery Scope of Works

    Shoalhaven City Council would like to address recent media statements regarding the amount of cleared properties in fire impacted areas of the Shoalhaven.

    Property numbers cleaned do not provide a clear guide of bushfire recovery progress, with each property having different circumstances and recovery measures in place.

    The bushfire recovery scope of works was determined by the State contractor Laing O’Rourke, on behalf of NSW Public Works.

    A total of 916 bushfire affected properties registered for clean-up with Laing O'Rourke, and each of those properties were visited and assessed by the state contractor and NSW Public Works. 424 of those 916 registered were deemed to be in scope and eligible for clean-up works to be undertaken.

    Council is pleased to advise that of the 424 eligible properties, 392 have now been cleaned to date, with 32 properties remaining.

    Council, with assistance from Laing O’Rourke and Service NSW, contacted a further 42 property owners regarding registration for clean-up, with 10 of which unable to be contacted despite considerable measures to make contact.

    Of the 32 properties contacted, Council have been advised from property owners that the property owner will either contact Service NSW and register, have made their own arrangements with their insurance company, are cleaning it themselves, or are choosing to not commence with the clean-up as yet. Council have made it clear to property owners to register for the service while it is still on offer.

    In terms of waste removal from bushfire affected properties, a dedicated Bushfire Waste Recycling Centre was set up at West Nowra Waste Depot to handle the non-contaminated waste received from property cleaning. The Centre has received approximately 18,000 tonnes of non-contaminated waste, with over 93% reprocessed as recyclable material. The remaining 250 tonnes of non-contaminated waste was put into landfill. The recycling program was highly successful, and as the demand for the centre has now decreased significantly, the Centre was decommissioned last week with any further waste received to be processed at the waste depot.

    Council have undertaken significant efforts to ensure all Shoalhaven fire impacted properties register with Service NSW to ensure each property owner has access to the support and resources they need to move through the recovery process.

  • 2019-20 Bushfire History Project

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    The Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements has launched the 2019-20 Bushfire History Project to document the recent bushfires for the future.

    During the Commission's community forums, many people shared stories, videos and photos taken during the fires. Each story is unique. It is also part of our national history.

    The Commission's 2019-20 Bushfire History Project is an opportunity for people to record their personal experience to form part of Australia's historical record.

    The Commission invites people to submit videos or photographs taken during the bushfires or the ongoing recovery.
    People can also submit a short video account explaining what they experienced during the bushfires.

    The collection of videos and photographs will be catalogued to allow future generations to understand what happened during the 2019-20 bushfires and the affect these fires had on our nation and its people.

    In some cases, material collected as part of the 2019-20 Bushfire History Project may also be considered for use in evidence. The Commission will seek permission from individual contributors prior to using material as evidence.

    For further information about how to submit a video or photographs visit the 2019-2020 Bushfire History Project webpage.

    The Commissioners and Commission staff have also recorded a video for your veiwing.

  • Wildlife Feeding and Water Station Motion Censored Cameras

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    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.

  • Shoalhaven is on the Road to Recovery

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  • Bushfire Recovery and COVID-19 Mental Heath Support Line

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    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.


  • Bushfire Recovery Update

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    26 February 2020

    Recovery Coordinator, Mr Vince Di Pietro AM provided Councillor's with a bushfire recovery update during Council's Ordinary Meeting held on Tuesday 25 February 2020.

    The report stated that the Currowan and Crompton Grange Fire State of Emergency was officially revoked on Friday, 7 February 2020, with all fires declared extinguished by the RFS Superintendent on Saturday, 8 February 2020.

    All facets of Shoalhaven City Council have been working with the community to start the recovery process, with guidelines being formally implemented under the Recovery Action Plan, which was unanimously approved at Council’s Extraordinary Meeting held on Monday, 20 January 2020.

    For more information visit Council's Bushfire Recovery Update website and view the Bushfire Recovery Update with Mayor Amanda Findley and Vince Di Pietro video.

  • Mental Health Services

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    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:

    • Lifeline 13 Help (13 43 57) - devoted to bushfire recovery
    • Lifeline: 13 11 14
    • Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636
    • Mental Health Line: 1800 011 511
    • Mensline: 1300 789 978
    • Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800
    You can also contact NSW Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511.

    If you or someone you know is in immediate danger call 000.

    Further information and resources is available online at:
    For practical assistance call the Disaster Welfare Assistance Line on 1800 018 444.
  • Mental Health Advice

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    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.


Page last updated: 19 Apr 2024, 02:37 PM