Monday, 11 November 2019
NORTHERN Tablelands MP Adam Marshall has today said he will do whatever it takes to ensure locals who have lost their homes and livelihoods as a result of the weekend’s deadly bushfires are given every support necessary to get back on their feet.
Mr Marshall spent the weekend surveying fire grounds at Wytaliba, Torrington and Wandsworth where more than 70,000 hectares has been burnt out, with one school, countless homes and properties destroyed and two lives tragically lost.
Mr Marshall said his heart breaks for the families and friends of those who lost their lives and properties.
“Losing two lives at Wytaliba is horrific and we as a community mourn with those people’s families, as well as those who survived but have no home to return to,” Mr Marshall said.
“The recovery effort begins this week and I will be meeting with NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro and Minister for Emergency Services David Elliott to speak about what services are needed on the ground.
“I have had confirmation Wytaliba Public School will be rebuilt however moving forward this recovery will require a multi-agency approach and I am seeking funding for organisations like BlazeAid who will be involved in rebuilding fences so farmers have somewhere to keep livestock.
“I welcome today’s announcement of a State of Emergency in NSW by Premier Gladys Berejiklian ahead of catastrophic fire conditions forecast for tomorrow.”
Mr Marshall said the region has been declared a natural disaster meaning short and medium term assistance for fire effected landholders was available.
“Anyone requiring assistance with emergency fodder, emergency water or livestock or animal evacuations should call the NSW Agricultural and Animal Services Hotline on 1800 814 647,” he said.
“The NSW Rural Assistance Authority is also on hand to provide support and I urge farmers to contact RSS staff on 1800 678 593 who will assist them.
Mr Marshall thanked NSW Rural Fire Service personnel and volunteers for their tireless efforts battling the blazes.
“I want to thank form the bottom of my heart all the firefighters out there – both locals and those from interstate – who continue to do such an amazing job saving what they can and bringing these fires under control.
“The catastrophic fire forecast for tomorrow means conditions will be extremely volatile and unpredictable and I urge residents in areas where fires are burning to keep up to date the latest information on the RFS website, tune into ABC New England North West and heed any warnings which are given.”