The clean-up of bushfire impacted properties has started in northern villages of the Bega Valley. The roll out in western and southern parts of the shire will gather momentum after Easter.
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The task ahead takes in around 466 properties and is being led by Laing O'Rourke, who this week is wanting to connect with locally based contractors keen to help.
While the COVID-19 virus presents a new challenge, Bega Valley Shire Council, Laing O'Rourke and the NSW government are determined to continue to provide tangible help to those impacted by the summer's bushfires
Key to this is helping local businesses learn more about the clean-up project and how to tender for works, with Laing O'Rourke and local councils partnering to hold industry briefings this week.
Given the constraints in place to reduce the spread of COVID-19, these will take the form of webinars that can be accessed from your phone, tablet or computer.
The combined Bega Valley/Eurobodalla session is scheduled for Wednesday, April 8 at 6pm. To register your interest head to https://laingorourke.webex.com/laingorourke/onstage/g.php?MTID=eee98f150534bf3080bc4b55772efb445.
This local session follows on from a successful pilot that was held in the Shoalhaven and encouragingly attracted 250 local contractors.
Laing O'Rourke's NSW Southern Region Delivery Lead, Darren Hubscher, said the company was thrilled with the response to initial webinars and was looking forward to touching base with the businesses in the Bega Valley so they can get a full understanding of how they can help.
"Providing opportunities for local contractors to be involved in the project is one really important way we can continue to help rebuild local economies across the region," Mr Hubscher said.
"We have been out in the community over the last few weeks seeking assistance from local, qualified contractors for the clean-up, but obviously with the impact of COVID-19 we've had to pioneer some different ways of communicating with local subbies.
"We already have teams on the ground helping us to clear properties in places like Cobargo, Quaama, Mogo and Malua Bay, but there is still more work to go around."
Bega Valley Shire Council's Project Lead Bushfire Recovery, Chris Horsburgh, said it was great to be working closely with Laing O'Rourke to support local businesses.
"The bushfires had a devastating impact on the local economy and small businesses across our shire and it's great to be able to work with Laing O'Rourke to provide as many opportunities for local businesses to be involved in the clean-up as possible," Mr Horsburgh said.
"Not only is the clean-up an essential step towards moving on for our people and our communities, but it is also playing an important role in helping small businesses to rebuild.
"I encourage all qualified local subbies to register and join us on Wednesday night."
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.
Local subcontractors who are unable to join the online industry briefing but would like further information about the program can visit https://nswbushfirecleanupprogram.icn.org.au.
Anyone with further questions on how your business might be able to help the clean-up program, please contact the Laing O'Rourke project team on 1800 007 539, or email nswbushfirecleanup@laingorourke.com.au.
