A Laing O’Rourke spokesperson told The Beagle "Since being appointed by the NSW Government for the important task of coordinating the NSW Bushfire clean-up program, the Laing O’Rourke team has been busy getting on with the job as quickly and safely as possible.
"Clearance works have been ramping up and we are now seeing more and more clearance teams working across the State. In some areas, we are already seeing communities begin to rebuild after their properties have been cleared.
"In the Bega Valley Shire and Eurobodalla LGAs we have inspected over 350 properties and agreed a scope of works with the property owner. Clean-up is now underway, with each of these homes to be cleared in the coming weeks.
"In the Bega Valley Shire, we will be clearing or contacting property owners in the following areas over the coming fortnight - Bemboka, Brogo, Cobargo, Coolagolite, Dignams Creek, Eden, Greendale, Kiah, Mount Darragh, Quaama, Verona, Wandella, Wyndham, Yowrie.
"In the Eurobodalla Shire, we will be clearing or contacting property owners in the following areas over the coming fortnight - Batehaven, Batemans Bay, Belowra, Bimbimbie, Broulee, Cadgee, Congo, Catalina, Deua River Valley, Eurobodalla, Lilli Pilli, Jeremadra, Malua Bay, Mogo, Moruya, Moruya Heads, Nelligen, Nerrigundah, Rosedale, Runnyford, Surf Beach, Tinpot, Tomakin, Woodlands", the spokesperson said.
COVID-19 is having a significant impact on all parts of life at the moment and for Laing O’Rourke, the health and safety of their people, contractors and the community is absolutely paramount. While the virus introduces a new challenge to bushfire recovery, Laing O’Rourke and the NSW Government are determined to maintain momentum and continue providing tangible help to fire-affected communities across NSW. Laing O’Rourke is implementing a number of its own protections that will force them to adapt some of the ways they communicate and interact with bushfire impacted communities, such as social distancing and other practical precautions for employees and contractors. However, this will not detract from the core goal of completing their clean-up project as quickly as possible to help communities take the first step towards rebuilding and recovery. This is an uncertain and constantly evolving challenge that they are all facing together but Laing O’Rourke is committed to regularly updating and engaging collaboratively with the impacted communities in which they are working. For further information on the steps Laing O’Rourke are taking, please click here. Make sure you are registered for clean-up Sign up here to allow us to contact you and plan works https://apply.service.nsw.gov.au/bushfire-cleanup I’ve registered, what happens next? Once you have registered for the program, there are five key steps: 1. Laing O’Rourke staff will contact you to discuss the damage and assess your eligibility. 2. Once the area is declared safe, they will meet with you on site. 3. You approve the scope of works. 4. The clean-up of the property will commence. 5. You confirm the completion of the agreed scope of works. It is important to note that Laing O’Rourke will always arrange household visits in advance and will not turn up unannounced or demand payment. Upcoming works From Thursday, 23 April, 2020, Laing O’Rourke teams will be contacting registered property owners and commencing clean-up works in the following locations (pending factors such as weather and ease of access to properties): Bega Valley Shire Brogo, Cobargo, Coolagolite, Dignams Creek, Devils Hole, Eden, Greendale, Kiah, Mount Darragh, Numbugga*, Quaama, Rocky Hall, Tantawangalow*, Verona, Wandella, Wyndham, Yowrie Eurobodalla Batehaven, Batemans Bay, Belowra, Bimbimbie, Bodalla*, Broulee, Cadgee, Congo, Catalina, Deua River Valley, Eurobodalla, Lilli Pilli, Jeremadra, Malua Bay, Mogo, Moruya, Moruya Heads, Nelligen, Nerrigundah, Rosedale, Runnyford, Surf Beach, Tinpot, Tomakin, Woodlands *Indicates Laing O’Rourke will be meeting residents in these localities to inspect their properties and plan works.
