Gippsland › Latest news › East Gippsland Local News
East Gippsland Council releases their third instalment of Bushfire Recovery Progress Report showing rebuilding is a challenge
East Gippsland Shire Council has released its third progress report on the region's recovery from the 2019-20 East Gippsland Bushfires.
Almost three years since the fires, rebuilding continues but there are ongoing challenges and progress remains slower for a number of residents. In 2020 Council set up the Rebuild Support Service (RSS), in partnership with Bushfire Recovery Victoria (now Emergency Recovery Victoria). The RSS remains available to support bushfire-impacted landowners with specialised planning and building advice, as well as preparation of planning permit applications.
The East Gippsland Recovery Committee has been working on Bushfire Recovery planning and initiatives and responding to several investigations and inquiries
Impacts on properties
There were over 1200 structures impacted on private property during the East Gippsland bushfires. Of these 346 dwellings and 850 other structures, generally sheds and outbuildings, were destroyed.
As of December 2022, 61 landowners have completed dwelling rebuilds with a further 21 under construction. There are also 22 landowners with planning approval for a house rebuild who have not yet started their builds.
Sixty-one properties, where a total of 67 dwellings were destroyed, have been sold since the fires. Council has been advised that another 48 dwellings are not expected to be rebuilt.
Assistance and advice
Mayor Cr Mark Reeves said, in general, building is taking significantly longer than usual. "This is due to difficulties sourcing builders and tradespeople, as well as longer lead times for building materials," Cr Reeves said.
"Construction costs have also escalated sharply over the past year. This is requiring some people to reassess what they need to rebuild and options to rebuild a smaller house that still meets their needs. In some instances, there have also been challenges around Bushfire Attack Levels and these can take time to resolve."
"I encourage any bushfire-impacted property owners who would like to know more about the Rebuild Support Service to contact us and find out more about the assistance and advice that we can provide. There is no cost for this service and it is obligation free," Cr Reeves said.
The Bushfire Recovery Third Progress Report is available on the Bushfire Recovery Plans and Report page of our website.
Pictures from East Gippsland Community Foundation Facebook page.
Source: http://gippsland.com/
Published by: news@gippsland.com
Latest News
Baw Baw Shire Council welcomes Victorian government grants aiding Noojee transition from timber harvestingDarren Chester calls for stop to rural health merger citing risks to Gippsland services due to lack of consultation, secrecy and autonomy loss
Nicholson Primary School students get chance to discuss Parliament while receiving certificates from Darren Chester
Russell Broadbent urges government budget accountability to alleviate cost-of-living pressure to tackle inflation and alleviate cost-of-living pressures following the Reserve Bank decision
Senators to reject Fresh food tax after report reveals lack of clarity and adverse impact on farmers and families
Baw Baw Shire Council continues advocacy for key unfunded projects despite limited aid from 2024/25 Victorian State Budget
APS Drainage and Civil selected for culvert relining on Loch-Kernot Road in Bass Coast Shire from 13 May 2024 with $750,000 budget
Feedback wanted on draft Master Plan for Alex Goudie Native Park in Drouin by 2 June 2024
Community feedback wanted on new policy for celebrating significant dates in Baw Baw Shire by 31 May 2024
Latrobe City Candlelight Vigil honoured domestic violence in 2024