Prime Minister Albanese urges public to follow advice amid horror bushfires

As a “leave immediately’ bushfire warning was issued for parts of Bundaberg, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visited the city and had this to say on Queensland’s unfolding emergency. Watch:

More than 42,000 insurance claims are expected from the devastating bushfires raging across Queensland, as firefighting reinforcements fly in to help contain bushfires that have so far claimed two lives and at least 42 homes.

Speaking at a press conference in Bundaberg on Tuesday not long before a “leave immediately” alert was issued for parts of the city, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the government had established a recovery centre at Tara in the south west of the state, the region subject to a “leave immediately” bushfire emergency warning along with Montrose North, Wieambilla and The Gums.

Emergency Management Minister Murray Watt also visited Tara on Tuesday, and Mr Albanese said he had spoken to Maranoa MP David Littleproud to offer his support.

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The Prime Minister said 42,000 insurance claims were expected as a result of property damage inflicted by the bushfires so far, as he urged the public to follow advice of emergency services throughout what will be a “difficult summer”.

Aerial footage of the devastating bushfire raging at Tara. Picture: QFES

“These are heartbreaking scenes when people lose their houses,” he said.

“And of course, we’ve seen tragically a loss of life of a gentleman on Tuesday of last week, and a woman on Wednesday.

“I say to people in fire areas that when authorities provide advice, please follow the advice which is there.

“This is a difficult period and it’s going to be a difficult summer.

“We are seeing more extreme weather events and they are more intense, and the government needs to respond to that in the short term.”

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Mr Albanese said New Zealand was also sending fire crews in addition to the Victorian strike teams expected to arrive in the Western Downs region on Wednesday.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has also announced plans to provide medium and long-term accommodation options to people forced to evacuate near Tara.

Ms Palaszczuk said possible housing options included demountable homes and caravans with staff from the departments of housing and communities providing assistance.