Bushfire recovery update

Eurobodalla Recovery Centre

Eurobodalla’s Recovery Centre is now open to support everyone in our community impacted by the fires. Professional staff who understand the emergency will be on hand to help, providing a one-stop shop for recovery information, services for the community, and to expedite government processes.

Here’s a quick video explaining what you can expect on arrival at the centre:

No appointment is necessary. If you need transport to get to the centre, please call Council’s Community Transport on 4474 1040.

NEW: Recovery Centre outreach services to locations across the shire are being finalised. Stay tuned for dates and locations.

  • Eurobodalla Recovery Centre
    Batemans Bay Soldiers Club
    Beach Road, Batemans Bay (parking from Flora Crescent)
    Monday-Friday 9am-5pm, weekends 10am-4pm
    Australia Day long weekend, Saturday 25 to Monday 27 January 10am-4pm

Waste

The significant ongoing fire impact at Surf Beach tip means Council needs to concentrate on maintaining normal waste services before we can address fire-related waste. Obviously this had led to frustration within the community. Shoalhaven and Bega tips have been able to offer additional service because they were not fire-impacted. We expect to announce new arrangements for some green and domestic fire-related waste in coming days.

If you’re heading to the tip, sort your waste so recyclable materials like steel and cardboard can easily be separated at the waste management facilities – this will decrease the amount you have to pay.

At Surf Beach tip, only cash payments and existing account customers can be accepted due to limited internet and therefore no EFTPOS.

Residents with burnt bins can contact Council for replacement:

Demolition waste and clean-up costs

The NSW Government is covering the cost of clean-up of NSW residences and businesses impacted by bushfires. This includes both insured and uninsured properties. For those insured, this means you won’t have the cost of clean-up deducted from your insurance funds.

Fire-affected building demolition waste will not be accepted in kerbside bins or at waste management facilities. This is due to the lack of space and risk of contamination to facilities. Council is working with NSW and Australian governments to find a solution that allows fire-impacted building waste to be removed as quickly as possible.

To ensure you are eligible for clean-up cost recovery, register at Service NSW or visit the Recovery Centre at Batemans Bay Soldiers Club or Council’s administration office in Moruya.

For fire impacted property owners

Do not enter a fire affected property until it has been assessed as safe and only if you are the property owner. Building Impact Assessments are well underway throughout the Eurobodalla.

Initial inspections identify houses, facilities and outbuildings that are destroyed, damaged and those untouched in fire-affected areas, including any potential hazards.

Further assessments are now being undertaken to confirm hazards. A Hazard Identification Notice displayed at a property lets you know potential hazards have been identified. If the ‘suspected asbestos’ box has been ticked, do not enter the property and contact Public Works Advisory on 1800 885 539 to receive the results of the asbestos testing.

Water

Eurobodalla will move to level 4 water restrictions on Tuesday 28 January. Bushfires have taken a heavy toll on the shire’s water supply at Deep Creek Dam.

Under level 4 water restrictions all outdoor water use is banned, except:

  • watering gardens with water cans or buckets only
  • washing and rinsing private vehicles on grass with buckets only between either 6-8am or 6-8pm.

Variations apply for specific businesses. Emergency services continue to be exempt from all restrictions.

Download these guides to find out what you can and cannot do:

Farm fencing

Teams from the Australian Defence Force are helping Eurobodalla’s farmers, replacing burnt and downed fences in fire-affected areas of the shire.

Members of the Australian Army will be working with Council to re-fence working farms and clear downed trees in the heavily impacted areas of Belowra, Cadgee, Nerrigundah, Eurobodalla and Deua Valley.

Essential Energy have also come on board, allowing the unburnt sections of downed energy poles w be reused as fence posts.

Farmers can contact Council to find out how to join the program:

Note: Clearing of burnt farm buildings and demolition waste is being coordinated by the NSW Government – register at Service NSW.

For emergency fodder, water, veterinary or stock burial services, please contact Agriculture and Animal Services:

  • T: 1800 814 647

Roads and travel

  • Local roads are gradually being reopened by Council work crews. Please continue to observe roadblocks - they are in place for your safety.
  • Please avoid fire-affected residential areas out of respect for those who have lost homes.

Beaches

  • Surf Beach at Batemans Bay and North Broulee remain officially closed due to poor water quality following the bushfires. The next round of test results is due Friday.
  • These beaches are being patrolled daily: Narooma Surf Beach, Dalmeny, Tuross Head, Moruya South Head Beach, Moruya North Beach (near breakwall), Broulee South Beach, Malua Bay. If waterways are discoloured and murky, it is recommended you avoid swimming.

More information

We’ll regularly update our online recovery resources and share recovery information on Council's Facebook page.