Plans are afoot to construct a new community hall in Cobargo that will act as a bushfire refuge and evacuation centre in any future disaster that could strike the region.
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In fact, the project prospectus for the Cobargo Showground Community Centre and Bushfire Refuge states it aims to become the first registered community fire refuge in NSW.
Aside from being a safe place to shelter, the proposed centre is also being designed as a multi-purpose facility to benefit the whole community.
During the New Year's Eve bushfire people had "nowhere safe to hide", Yuin Folk Club president Peter Logue said.
He said when the fire devastated Cobargo, roads were closed in all directions, some people had to take risks driving through fires to get to a safer place, and the flames even reached the town's showground where about 150 people had sheltered in the emergency.
"It became quite an important point that people realised there was nowhere safe, there was no other building in the village that could be rated as safe," Peter said.
"I would say this is one of Cobargo's main priorities in the recovery."
The community centre and bushfire refuge is a cooperative effort between the Yuin Folk Club, Cobargo Showground Land Manager, Cobargo Show Society as well as other community groups, and is estimated to cost upwards of $1.7million.
Peter said the centre would have a high level of fire protection, but would also contain features like a commercial kitchen and soundproofing so it could be used as a function centre or event venue.
He said while it could seat about 200 people during a function it would be able to shelter many more in an evacuation.
The team behind the centre has been conducting community consultation, with Peter saying so far they have had very enthusiastic support.
They also have a design concept and aim to find financial support from government and private sectors.