NSW, ACT bushfires: Firefighters injured near Canberra as deal clears way for fires clean-up
With three firefighters injured as a blaze continues to threaten Canberra, a cost-sharing deal worth hundreds of millions clears way for fires clean-up
Three firefighters have been injured, while another escaped unharmed after a tree fell onto their truck in the ACT.
The crew was working to slow the spread of the 15,000-hectare Orroral Valley fire on Wednesday night when the tree crashed onto the tanker.
All four firefighters were taken by ambulance to the Canberra Hospital for assessment. All crews were withdrawn from the fireground following the crash.
Firefighters had been using a break in the weather to backburn the dangerous bushfire before conditions deteriorate further.
Cost-share deal means ‘huge’ NSW fire clean-up imminent
Meanwhile, the clean-up of debris and damage caused by the recent bushfire crisis will start imminently across NSW following a cost-sharing deal struck between the Berejiklian and Morrison governments.
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said British multinational Laing O’Rourke had been contracted to clean up the damage, with the eventual costs to be shared between both governments.
The cost of this effort is expected to run into the hundreds of millions of dollars.
The arrangement is similar to that which was implemented by the Victorian government in the aftermath of the Black Saturday bushfires in 2009, Ms Berejiklian said.
“We know the clean up task is huge,” said the Premier, adding that local contractors would be engaged to assist with the work to stimulate local economies. “(They) will have a chance to participate in the clean up process.”
The clean up will chiefly involve the removal of debris left behind around homes and commercial buildings, as well as waste disposal, with the effort due to begin within days.
It will be overseen by NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro, who was recently appointed minister for disaster recovery, a newly-created portfolio borne out from the recent bushfire catastrophe.
The Premier said she hoped the bulk of the work would be completed by June. “It’s a huge job, and we’ve learned from past experience that when you engage with one contractor throughout the state … that’s the best way to move forward.”
The cost-sharing arrangement is also expected to free up insurance companies to maintain their focus on household rebuilding and payments to fire victims.
Normally, these companies would foot the bill for such efforts.
Residents requiring debris to be removed have been urged by the Premier to register with Service NSW so a team can be dispatched.
Serious Canberra fire threat remains
Smoke from the Orroral Valley blaze, south of Canberra, is expected to linger over the capital on Thursday morning.
Authorities have warned it is the most serious blaze the capital has faced since the deadly 2003 bushfires, which destroyed almost 500 homes and led to four deaths.
The Orroral Valley fire was started by a defence helicopter’s landing light after it landed in Namadgi National Park on a reconnaissance mission.
The ACT Emergency Services Authority said a southerly wind change would push smoke from the blaze into the Canberra city centre.
“Smoke is expected to be seen until (Thursday),” the ESA said in a statement.
“People who are sensitive to smoke, especially those with pre-existing heart and lung conditions, should take extra care during these conditions.”
There is a “very high” fire danger rating in place for the ACT on Thursday, with temperatures forecast to reach as high as 38C.
A severe heatwave is expected to spread from Western Australia through to the south east in NSW over the next two days, increasing fire danger.
The heatwave will move to Victoria and Tasmania and finally hit NSW and the ACT on Friday.
On Saturday, Sydney is expected to hit 35C and Melbourne will see a max of 32C.
Days will be hot and humid in the eastern
The BoM is forecasting increased fire danger due to the high temperatures and winds for parts of South Australia and the east including NSW, Victoria and the ACT.
with AAP
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