Mogo resident Lettie Pope’s rebuild stuck in limbo five years on from Black Summer fires

A single South Coast mother who lost everything in the Black Summer bushfires says her heartbreak continues five years on, as red tape is seemingly halting her and her family’s long awaited rebuild.

Lettie Pope's house burnt down on December 31, 2019. Picture: Tom McGann

Half a decade after Black Summer fires tore through the NSW South Coast, many assume the victims are back on their feet. But for single Mogo mother Lettie Pope, she’s still scrambling to pick up the pieces.

Ms Pope lost her home on December 31, 2019, when the state’s largest recorded inferno devastated the Eurobodalla region, destroying hundreds of homes, properties and businesses.

Five years later, her home is still not rebuilt — and even when it is, she says she may not be allowed to live in it.

“We’ve been forgotten,” she told this publication.

“It’s not just me either — there are so many fire victims who still do not have their homes back.”

Black Summer devastated the NSW south coast in 2019 and 2020. Picture: Tom McGann.

Two years after the fires, Eurobodalla Council allowed a demountable home on her property while she waited for insurance payouts. But that temporary solution came with new setbacks: First, a tree fell on it. Then came a flood. Then, Ms Pope claims council letters came demanding its removal.

“Council have calmed down and are letting me live in the demountable now, but that’s just the start of my issues,” she said.

Approved plans for Lettie Pope's rebuild. Picture: Tom McGann

Ms Pope has since gained a development approval, a construction certificate, and funded a house rebuild herself.

However, she faces one last hurdle: Without costly repairs to the demountable, she says she will not be granted an occupancy certificate for the new home.

“I have a huge list of issues council want me to fix with this demountable home in order for me to live in the new home once it’s built,” she said.

“If they’re not fixed, I can’t get an occupancy certificate.”

Lettie Pope's demountable. Picture: Tom McGann

The required repairs to the demountable include a new window, bathroom ventilation, plumbing and a skylight — costing an estimated $20,000.

“I can’t afford that,” she said.

“I just spent all my money on the rebuild.

“Why can’t I live in the house once it’s built? It doesn’t make sense.”

Asked about the decision, a Eurobodalla Council spokesman said Ms Pope had agreed to remove the demountable once the new house was built.

The vacant land for Lettie Pope's rebuild. Picture: Tom McGann

“Council acknowledges the significant challenges faced by residents impacted by the Black Summer bushfires and remains committed to supporting the community through recovery and rebuilding,” he said.

“[Ms Pope’s] approved DA for the main dwelling noted the applicant would remove the demountable once occupying the main dwelling, as per standard land use plan.

“Should [Ms Pope] wish for the demountable to remain, a new DA can be lodged for consideration, and council will prioritise its assessment.”

Ms Pope hopes her ordeal will soon be over.

“It’s been so long since the fires and I’m still fighting,” she said.

Ms Pope has now launched a GoFundMe to cover the repair costs.

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Originally published as Mogo resident Lettie Pope’s rebuild stuck in limbo five years on from Black Summer fires