Local recovery commences for Northcliffe
MEDIA RELEASE - Local recovery commences for Northcliffe
February 2015
Though the smoke is yet to clear from the most catastrophic fire event the Shire of Manjimup has experienced in decades, the recovery process has already commenced.
The town of Northcliffe has been under an emergency warning for nearly a week, with residents strongly encouraged to evacuate to remain safe from the fire. In addition, the settlement of Windy Harbour has been under threat and at the time of this media release, also remains under emergency warning.
"The safety of our community members and incident support crews has been the absolute priority," explained Shire President Wade DeCampo.
Fire conditions need to improve before the 'Emergency Warning' alerts in Northcliffe and Windy Harbour are downgraded to a 'Watch and Act' by the Incident Controller. Where properties and other assets have been subject to fire attack there is an additional need for prior safety inspections of trees, roads and buildings.
"I understand the need for people to go back home as soon as possible, but we have to allow the crews time to ensure that each area is safe, both from fire and structural impacts, before you will be able to return," said Cr DeCampo. "Please be patient, we'll work through this as fast as we can to make it safe for you, because the last thing we want is for anybody to come to harm or injury in their urgency to get home."
Despite these alerts and warnings remaining in place, the Shire of Manjimup has already commenced the recovery process, which Local Government has the responsibility to lead.
Cr DeCampo advised that the Shire's Recovery Committee met for the first time on Thursday, and is in the process of establishing working sub-committees to work across the areas of:
- Buildings and infrastructure repairs and liaising with the insurance industry;
- Business continuity through provision of support to the dairy and wider agricultural sector, tourism and local businesses;
- Community support ranging from access to recovery funding through to personal health needs; and
- Environmental impacts on bushland, wildlife and any health effects from the fires.
"The Shire and representatives from agencies such as Fire & Emergency Services, Parks & Wildlife, Main Roads, Agriculture & Food and Family Services, together with utility providers, already have a good understanding of what has occurred and what is required by the community," added Cr DeCampo.
"We'll be there to assist the community with whatever it is they need to do next with regards to their own specific circumstances. We understand everybody's situation will be different, which is why the specialist sub-committees have been formed," said Cr DeCampo.
"At the moment we're receiving many offers from people seeking to donate money and goods. We have been overwhelmed by the generosity of the wider community - it is very humbling for both the Shire and the community - we are all very grateful," said Cr DeCampo.
In response to offers of donations, the Shire of Manjimup is establishing an appeal fund that will be utilised solely towards the recovery of the communities that have been severely impacted by the fire. Efforts are being made to ensure donations can be tax deductible. Further details will be available next week via www.manjimup.wa.gov.au or by phoning 9771 7777.
Financial donations are encouraged as they can most easily be targeted to the purchase of goods and services. There is a specific need for pet food and/or stock feed, and enquiries can be made directly to Department of Agriculture and Food in Manjimup on 9777 0000.
-ENDS-
Authorised by Andrew Campbell, Chief Exucutive Officer, Shire of Manjimup.
Contact: 9771 7777
Contact for comment: Wade DeCampo, Shire President.
Contact: 0427 094 081
Contact Gina Nieuwendyk, Public Relations Officer, Shire of Manjimup
Contact: 9771 7777
