Joint media release

Work is underway to clean up residential and commercial properties destroyed by bushfires, at no cost to property owners.

Head clean-up contractor Laing O’Rourke will start cleaning up the remains of homes and business premises in Willawarrin from today.

Federal Member for Cowper Pat Conaghan said it was important farmers, residents and small business owners have a clean slate from which to recover.

“Our Coalition Governments are covering the full cost of the clean-up for eligible properties in New South Wales through a 50-50 funding agreement,” he said.

“Approximately 5-10 per cent of the state clean-up has already been done, leaving approximately 2.43 million tonnes of debris left to be removed.

“We said when establishing the National Bushfire Recovery Agency that wherever possible, local contractors should receive recovery work to help regional businesses get back on their feet.

“Representatives from Laing O’Rourke have said they will need assistance from local, qualified contractors for this clean-up, so I encourage you to express interest via the NSW Government’s Industry Capability Network portal.”

State Member for Oxley Melinda Pavey said residents could see heavy machinery working at several locations between 7am-5pm on weekdays and 8am-4pm on weekends.

“Typically, it takes around two days for crews to clear debris from one property, dependent on weather and conditions, and longer for properties where there are hazardous materials,” Ms Pavey said.

“Laing O’Rourke staff are meeting residents to discuss specifics about how their property will be cleared.

“If you have already registered for the clean-up program, you don’t need to do anything more, and there is still time for owners of eligible properties to sign up if they have not already done so by calling Service NSW on 13 77 88.”

Residents with questions about the clean-up can contact Laing O’Rourke by calling 1800 007 539.

The types of contractors Laing O’Rourke will need assistance from include demolition and clean up companies, plant equipment and traffic management businesses, hygienists and truck operators.

For further information about the bushfire clean-up program, or to register, go to the Service NSW website.

ENDS

Media contact:
Mr Conaghan – 0418 928 744
Ms Pavey – 0474 125 977