PM Scott Morrison tours fire-ravaged Adelaide Hills
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has flown into South Australia to visit Adelaide Hills properties and people affected by the shocking bushfires. Meanwhile, the CFS battles to fully contain the blaze before conditions worsen late this week.
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Prime Minister Scott Morrison has toured the fire-ravaged Adelaide Hills on Christmas Eve, as weary firefighters look forward to a break in dangerous conditions before the weather worsens later this week.
Mr Morrison arrived at the fireground in Woodside with Premier Steven Marshall, where CFS chief officer Mark Jones explained the impact of the blaze, which threatened many homes on Jacaranda Drive.
Residents told The Advertiser they fled quickly on Friday, believing their properties would be eaten up by the inferno. So far, 87 homes have been destroyed along with almost 500 other buildings.
Agricultural losses have also mounted, with about 1100ha of vineyards thought to be destroyed or damaged – about one-third of the area’s grape production – while cherry and pear farmers have also been hit hard.
A community event to bring a bit of Christmas cheer to those affected by the Cudlee Creek bushfire was organised by Lobethal Bushfire Recovery volunteers on Tuesday night.
At the event, families were given essentials and toys donated by South Australians while footy players such as Port Adelaide’s captain Tom Jonas spared their time for the Christmas Eve event.
Meanwhile, over 2700 livestock, mostly sheep, have been lost as of Tuesday and that number is set to grow as the assessment by PIRSA continues.
Prime Minister @ScottMorrisonMP inspecting fireground on Jacaranda Dr, Woodside, with Premier @marshall_steven and CFS Chief Mark Jones @theTiser pic.twitter.com/hsCanEXqV4
— Ben Harvy (@Benharvy) December 24, 2019
While inspecting the charred area, Mr Morrison praised the coordination between federal, state and local emergency agencies to fight the uncontrolled blaze.
“365 days a year, you guys are all working together, all the time, both to prepare for and then fight (fires),” he said.
“It’s one of the things I think people are less aware of because you just get on and do it.”
Mr Morrison also announced a federal plan to increase paid leave arrangements for public sector workers who volunteer for bushfire duty.
Mr Marshall said the brave efforts of crews in the Adelaide Hills and across the country were a testament to the “Australian spirit”.
The group later toured a local winery, Barrister’s Block, which lost all of its grapes in the blaze.
Even as Mr Morrison was about to arrive at the Woodside-based winery, staff were warned of possible ember attacks from a nearby flare-up.
Similarly, at a fleeting visit to the Woodside CFS brigade headquarters, Mr Morrison was quick to thank the men and woman – some still on active duty – for their efforts in fighting the tough fires.
He laughed and joked with some, while others were only lucky enough to get a quick handshake before they were whisked back out to the fireground to contain a small threat.
Hardworking Woodside CFS crews were chuffed to meet Prime Minister @ScottMorrisonMP today - but for some it was just a quick handshake when the fire siren sounded @theTiser pic.twitter.com/cH2N85lgPW
— Ben Harvy (@Benharvy) December 24, 2019
The forward spread of the fire has been halted but a Watch and Act message remains current for those in Cudlee Creek, Gumeracha, Lobethal, Woodside, Mount Torrens, Chain of Ponds, Inglewood, Castambul, Paracombe, Millbrook, Montacute, Tungkillo and Mount Beevor.
About 175 firefighters are still on the scene, working to secure containment lines.
Should an outbreak occur, the CFS says it is most likely to burn in a northerly direction.
Most roads within the 25,000-hectare fire ground have reopened, allowing local residents to inspect their properties.
Several hundred residents have already accessed and received government financial support of $700 a family, with payments being processed every 10-15 minutes.
The Federal Government has also made available $1000 per adult and $400 per child for those who have lost their homes or were injured.
The State Government announced a State Emergency Relief Fund, with $1 million to kick-start the support.
There are four ways to donate:
• Electronic funds transfer to the State Emergency Relief Fund, Commonwealth Bank of Australia, BSB 065 266, Account 10020160, Description must state ‘donation’
• Credit card – visit the State Emergency Relief Fund BPoint payment website at bpoint.com.au/payments/serf or dial 1300 276 468 (1300 BPOINT) and enter biller code 1002359
• Cash – go into any branch of the Commonwealth Bank and donate over the counter giving the details: BSB 065 266, Account 10020160
• Cheque – send to State Emergency Relief Fund, Donations, QA Finance, GPO Box 292, Adelaide SA 5001
The CFS is worried about increasing temperatures in coming days.
While the next few days are in the early 30s with less wind, the mercury is set to climb to 37C on Friday, 41C by Saturday and 42C on Sunday.
On Kangaroo Island, one home has been destroyed and a number of others are yet to be checked, while about 13,000ha has been burnt.
The Duncan fire was on Tuesday morning reduced to an Advice warning, asking residents to remain vigilant and monitor local conditions.
#Bushfire Advice Message : Issued for #COOPERS_ROAD,_DUNCAN #fire. If you are in this area stay alert, monitor local conditions and decide what you will do if the situation changes. #BAM ID=0003906 #SAFires https://t.co/Zgtzbv0MDT pic.twitter.com/VncdonZ8AT
— Country Fire Service (@CFSAlerts) December 23, 2019
Meantime, the CFS Foundation has announced the release of a song, Let’s Stand Together, as a tribute to our CFS volunteers.
John Swann (Swanee) provides the lead vocals and the song invites all South Australians to stand beside men and women who volunteer to protect our communities.
