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Rebuilding and repairing after bushfire

If your home or business was destroyed or damaged by bushfire, support and guidance is available.

Council has a dedicated team of development assessment officers who prioritise major bushfire Development Applications (DAs) so our residents can start to rebuild their homes and lives as soon as possible.

This page covers topics where Council plays a role - such as DAs and vegetation removal.

Rebuilding and approvals+

If you're considering rebuilding after a bushfire, see our development process page. Please also note items relevant to bushfire-related rebuilds:

  • Outbuildings, garages, carports, cabanas etc, may not need approval.
    Find out more in the State Environmental Planning Policy for exempt development or contact Council to find out if you need approval:
  • If your building plans fit into the complying development category under the State Environmental Planning Policy, any accredited certifier can issue the Complying Development Certificate (CDC).
  • If we have a record of your development consent and you only want to reconstruct what has been destroyed, you may only need a Construction Certificate (CC) to start rebuilding. This only applies to development consents after 2006. Consents issued before 2006 may need a modified development consent to include a condition that complies with NSW Rural Fire Services Planning for Bushfire Protection.
  • Landowners seeking to build something different to what the fire destroyed - or where there are no records - will need to submit a DA.
    • You'll need to have the plans revised, or a new design developed, to show your BASIX commitments, bushfire construction requirements, and any changes you'd like to make to the design.
    • Find out more about lodging a DA
    • Contact Council's Development Help Desk:
  • Whether you need a DA and/or CC, you'll still require an updated bushfire assessment and Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) assessment. You'll need to confirm your BAL in a written report as part of the rebuild process:

Planning changes to help you rebuild+

The NSW Government made changes to planning rules to make it easier for people to rebuild after bushfires.

People impacted by bushfire can:

Temporary rules for building works

Amendments to the State Environmental Planning Policy (Exempt and Complying Development Codes) 2008 (Codes SEPP) allow you to carry out a range of low impact works as exempt development, which does not need Council approval.

Temporary accommodation

The Local Government (Manufactured Home Estates, Caravan Parks, Camping Grounds and Moveable Dwellings) Regulation 2021 provides options to help people who need emergency accommodation because of bushfire.

You can also access accommodation support by calling Service NSW on 13 77 88.

Water and sewer+

Water and sewer connections

Council’s water and sewer service lines into properties destroyed by bushfire are temporarily disconnected to prevent leaks and ensure infrastructure is not damaged during the clean-up phase.

When property owners are ready to rebuild, contact Council to arrange reconnection.

Damaged on-site sewage management systems (OSSM)

  • A licensed plumber or authorised technician should inspect damaged systems to determine the extent of damage.
  • It may not be suitable to use your system until it's repaired or replaced, depending on the extent of damage.
  • You should reduce your water use until the system is inspected and repaired.
  • If the tank(s) present a trip or fall hazard, ensure the area around the tank is made safe, eg, cover the tank and use a temporary fence.
  • If you are replacing the system in line with the existing approval, you won't need to submit an application. A suitably qualified person must carry out this work. Before you start the work, submit a Notice of Works to Council and a Works as Executed Plan when the work is complete.
  • If you wish to modify the type or location of the system, contact Council who will address any modification on a case by case basis.
  • Find out more:

Water supply and tanks

  • Ash is unlikely to be a health risk but may affect the appearance and taste of water.
  • Residents concerned with the taste, look or smell of their tank water should use an alternative safe water supply, such as bottled water, for drinking, preparing food, cleaning teeth, or watering animals.
  • If your water supply has been contaminated by fire retardant, you'll need to take extra precautions: 
  • There is no compensation for voluntary use of water to wet buildings or grounds during a bushfire.
  • Residents not connected to Council's water supply -  and where RFS have taken water or contaminated roofs with fire retardant - should contact Disaster Welfare Assistance:
    • T: 1800 018 444.

Water carriers

Residents that are not connected to Council’s water supply can contact a water carrier for water supply, or a plumber for tank cleaning services.

Here are known water carriers that service Eurobodalla Shire. Council acknowledges this is not a comprehensive list and you should do your own research:

  • Shoalhaven Excavations: Ulladulla, 4423 2824
  • Eurocoast Water: North Batemans Bay, 0427 712 283
  • Brett O'Mealey: Nelligen, 0438 864 909
  • Eurobodalla Tipper & Tanker Hire: Batemans Bay, 0411 044 276
  • Batemans Bay Excavations: Batemans Bay, 0408 948 251
  • Greenlands Garden Centre: Moruya, 0429 440 925
  • Purely Water: Moruya, 0458 937 085
  • Moruya H2O: Moruya, 0427 745 133
  • Tilba Tipper & Water Hire: Narooma, 0448 737 344
  • Narooma Water Cartage: Central Tilba, 0409 916 615
  • Welsh's Tipper & Water Hire: Cobargo, 0408 167 172
  • RD Miller: Bega, 6492 7333

Trees and vegetation+

Removing trees on private land after bushfire

Trees on private urban land that are an imminent risk to life or property do not need Council approval to be removed.

Urban land includes zones C4, R5, R2, R3, E1, E3, E4, MU1 and RU5. All other zones are considered rural.

Use the NSW Planning Portal to confirm your property's zoning.

  • If the tree is an imminent risk, the owner should contact the SES or an arborist to have the tree removed.
  • Property owners should take a photo of the tree smouldering/leaning over the dwelling and email it to Council as a record:
  • If the owner does not consider the tree an imminent risk to life or property, the standard tree removal application process applies. Contact the Development Help Desk for more information:
  • Elderly or disabled residents in fire-prone areas can access the NSW Rural Fire Service AIDER Program, a one-off service to reduce bushfire hazards on currently unaffected properties.

Removing trees on rural land after bushfire

If you need to remove vegetation on rural land (zones RU1 and RU4), contact Local Land Service on 6491 7800.

NSW RFS 10/50 Code

You can remove a tree without approval under the NSW Rural Fire Service 10/50 Code. Check the RFS website to ensure your property is eligible:

Report hazardous trees on Council-managed land

Contact us to report trees on Council-managed land for hazard assessment:

Public health fact sheets

More information

Contact us

For more information, contact Council's Development Help Desk:

  • T: 02 4474 1231
  • E: Council's Development Help Desk
  • visit our customer service centre at the corner of Vulcan Street and Campbell Street, Moruya, Monday to Friday between 8.30am and 4.30pm.