Gold Coast bushfires: Residents feel ‘survivor guilt’ after fires raze homes

Hinterland residents who narrowly avoided losing their homes are struggling with “survivor guilt” after about 11 residences were gutted by bushfire.

HINTERLAND residents who narrowly avoided losing their homes are struggling with “survivor guilt” after about 11 residences were gutted by bushfire.

The worst hit street was Timbarra Dr at Binna Burra where about 10 homes were badly damaged by fire late last week.

FIRST LOOK INSIDE ‘DEVASTATED’ BINNA BURRA LODGE

Crews at Binna Burra Lodge in the hinterland after devastating bushfires. Picture: Andrew Wills

AMAZING OFFER: GET A SAMSUNG GALAXY TAB A 8.0 WITH THIS BULLETIN SUBSCRIPTION (T&Cs apply)

Scenic Rim Mayor Greg Christensen said some members of the community “just can’t cope at the moment”.

“The community have asked to be left to themselves for a couple of days”’ he said.

“People are having survivor guilt because their house is standing and their neighbour’s isn’t.”

Residents of Binna Burra, about 46km south of Canungra, were allowed to return to their homes yesterday, under police escort.

The ruins of Binna Burra Lodge. Picture: Andrew Wills

GOLD COAST FIRES: NEED FOR GREEN PLAN TO SAVE ANIMALS

But Binna Burra Rd has now been closed, cutting off public access to the area.

Mr Christensen said Transport and Main Roads have prioritised a “very complex” repair of the road.

He was optimistic about the future of Binna Burra after the “tragic event” and said the community will rally in the aftermath.

“The new normal is something we’re going to discover and build together,” he said.

Police roadblock set up on Binna Burra Rd near Beechmont. Picture: Luke Mortimer

“We still need people to support us in the best way possible by contributing to our economy as we move forward in recovery.”

Mr Christensen hopes tourists will flock to the Scenic Rim once the threat of fires dies down.