As the devastating bushfire season continues in southern NSW, Victoria and South Australia the clean-up in the Clarence Valley is picking up momentum. This is on the back of last week’s announcement of $1m Recovery and Resilience Grant by the Federal Government for fire affected areas, which includes the Clarence Valley.   

General manager Ashley Lindsay said, “All roads closed due to the fires have now re-opened. The guard rail installation on the Armidale Road is complete, and the installation of new replacement signage is due to commence at the end of the month.”   

“Hortons Creek, Kangaroo Creek, and Brickmakers bridges are all in varying state of foundation design. The bridge structures have been procured and we will be selecting a construction contractor within the coming weeks.  All other bridges are in varying states of inspection and assessment”.

Waste and debris clean-up continues to be a major challenge for residents. Insured residents should make contact with insurance companies. Uninsured residents needing assistance should contact NSW Public Works. They will arrange for the clean up – including the removal of concrete slabs – at no cost; this includes both asbestos contaminated and non-contaminated sites.

The Federal government s $1 million Recovery and Resilience Grant will go to 42 councils, one of which is Clarence Valley Council. Said Mr Lindsay. “We’re yet to receive written advice, but understand expenditure of the grant is to be determined by the recipient council and allocated to activities such as: Rebuilding community assets and infrastructure damaged by disaster – community halls, sporting infrastructure and bridges;  Public activities that build resilience; Building public infrastructure that increases resilience to future disasters,” Mr Lindsay added.  

Councillors will give consideration to expenditure in the coming months.