The official bushfire clean-up in the Bega Valley is nearing completion and the lead contractor for the works is preparing to hand back responsibility to the government.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
By early August, Laing O'Rourke and its local and regional contractors had cleared 660 of the 711 registered properties in the shire.
Paul Barrie, NSW bushfire clean-up project director at Laing O'Rourke, said the program was one of the most unique, fast paced and heartfelt projects he has worked on.
"I would also like to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to all of the families and communities in the Bega Valley who hosted us and allowed us into their homes and businesses at this extraordinary time," Mr Barrie said.
"We are so grateful for the hospitality we received everywhere we went.
"The local businesses we have worked with in this local area have been fantastic.
"Many of these businesses like Merimbula Sand and Gravel were on the ground during the bushfires volunteering their time and equipment to help their neighbours protect their homes and businesses.
"It's great to see them now working on the clean-up, being able to help even more people take their first steps towards rebuilding."
By Tuesday, Laing O'Rouke had cleared over 3500 properties across the state in less than 200 days and had begun to hand responsibility for the next stage of the NSW and federal government-funded clean-up back to the Public Works Advisory (PWA).
Mr Barrie said after achieving the initial target of 2800 properties by June 30 his company was asked to stay on board to continue clearing additional properties that had recently registered for the program.
"We will complete the clean-up of properties that registered before 27 July and Public Works Advisory will complete any new registrations after that date, in addition to completing works at the small number of isolated properties in challenging locations," he said.
"While our role on the bushfire clean-up program may be coming to an end, it's very important to stress that the bushfire clean-up does not have an end date, registrations remain open and the clean-up will continue under PWA."
Anyone impacted by the bushfires can register by calling Service NSW on 13 77 88 or by clicking here.
All eligible properties that have been inspected will be cleared by Laing O'Rourke, and any future registrations will be managed by the PWA.
