DISASTER ASSISTANCE FOR KOORAGANG ISLAND

Disaster assistance has been made available to help cover operational response activities for a number of bushfires that burnt on Kooragang Island in January.

 

Assistance is being provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

 

Federal Minister for Natural Disaster and Emergency Management David Littleproud said the assistance would support counter disaster operations undertaken to protect homes and rail and maritime infrastructure.

 

“The bushfires burnt large areas of Kooragang Island, including areas identified as the former Kooragang Island Waste Emplacement facility,” Minister Littleproud said.

 

“A range of practical assistance is now available to support recovery efforts and help cover the cost of response operation activities, including the installation of specialised equipment used onsite to monitor air quality.” 

 

NSW Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott said that a multi-agency operation was required to tackle the bushfire.

 

“Fire and Rescue New South Wales worked closely with key agencies including NSW Public Works Advisory, the NSW Environment Protection Authority, NSW Health and industry experts to protect the community and the environment,” Minister Elliott said.

 

“Our first responders and supporting agencies did a remarkable job in protecting communities under threat.”

 

Further information on disaster assistance is available on the Australian Government’s Disaster Assist website at disasterassist.gov.au and the NSW emergency information and response website atemergency.nsw.gov.au.