Disaster assistance is available for Upper Lachlan Shire communities impacted by the Bannaby (Long Gully) bushfire, which burned through more than 2,400 hectares in January.

Federal Member for Hume and Minister for Law Enforcement and Cyber Security Angus Taylor, who has responsibility for Commonwealth disaster assistance, said we owe a debt of gratitude to the firefighters and volunteers who were on the frontline protecting the local community from this fire.

“The fire was believed to have started from a lightning strike and it burned for many days,” he said.

“Life and property came under threat as the hot, dry and windy conditions fuelled the fire. It burned through more than 2400 hectares of land, forcing multiple road closures.

“Significant firefighting operations were required in response to the fire, including the deployment of large numbers of firefighting personnel, appliances and aircraft.

“I’m pleased to confirm that a range of assistance has been activated in response to the bushfire to ensure affected communities receive the support they need to recover.”

Assistance available under the jointly funded Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA) will help with the operational costs associated with fighting the fires.

The assistance available includes help for affected individuals, small businesses and primary producers, and will also cover the cost of restoring public infrastructure damaged by the bushfires.

NDRRA assistance is also being provided to communities impacted by the:

·         Sutherland (Royal National Park) bushfire from 20 January 2018;

·         Muswellbrook and Mid-Western bushfires from 23 January 2018;

·         Central West bushfires from 9 February 2018;

·         Narrabri and Gwydir (Bobbiwaa Creek) bushfire from 12 February 2018, and,

·         Liverpool and Sutherland bushfire from 14 April 2018.