Western Downs residents impacted by bushfires to have ‘vital’ short-term housing in Tara

Western Downs residents who have lost their homes during the recent devastating bushfires will be able to use short-term housing that’s been organised in Tara, with caravans being set up in the area over the weekend.

Temporary housing is officially underway for residents who have been impacted by the recent bushfires and using evacuation centres across the Western Downs due to homes being completely destroyed.

The short-term accommodation, organised by all levels of government, has been set up at the Tara Showgrounds, with 23 caravans arriving over the weekend.

It is expected the short-term option will be ready for residents in eight weeks.

Mayor Paul McVeigh said it was vital to find housing solutions for those affected as quickly as possible.

“Our priority is making sure those residents who do not have a home to return to, are accommodated in their local community, until such time as they’re able to rebuild and return to their properties,” he said.

Acting Premier Steven Miles in Tara with Colin Chisnall and dog Brocky in the caravans donated by govt.at the Showgrounds Pic Annette Dew.

“Our evacuation centres have offered a safe place for people to reside through the worst of this fire emergency, and now it’s time to look beyond the immediate emergency and deliver a short to midterm solution.

“These families have been through absolute hell, so creating a safe roof over their head that’s close to their support networks in Tara is crucial in their journey towards recovery.”

Mr McVeigh revealed civil crews were on the ground in Tara and establishing the site so water, sewerage, electricity and other essential services were connected.

“Demountable accommodation will be established at the Milne St site in coming weeks, after such time as civil contractors have completed utilities work,” he said.

The announcement comes after hundreds of people were forced into evacuation centres across the region due to life-threatening bushfires that destroyed 58 dwellings in Tara.