mountbarker.sa.gov.au facebook.com/mountbarkercouncil summer 2020

Cudlee Creek Bushfire Recovery

The Cudlee Creek Fire devastated local communities in Mount Barker, Adelaide Hills, Murray Bridge and Mid Murray districts. It directly impacted the communities of Brukunga, Charleston, Cudlee Creek, Gumeracha, Harrogate, Kenton Valley, Lenswood, Lobethal, Montacute, Mount Torrens and Woodside.

The Cudlee Creek bushfires devastated our community and

natural wildlife and the recovery phase looks to continue over the

next year as our community rebuilds.Thank you to all those in our

wonderful community who assisted and volunteered during the crisis.

Mayor Ann Ferguson

facebook.com/ mountbarkercouncil

phone us 8391 7200email us council@mountbarker.sa.gov.auview us online mountbarker.sa.gov.au

The fire was not announced as controlled until 3 January 2020 and is still considered active at a controlled status by the CFS.A relief centre was also established in Mount Barker for displaced persons and was well attended with up to 150 people there at any one time.Council played an important role in responding to the fire and supporting the lead agency. Tasks included road clearing and assessment, road furniture assessment and restoration, water carting, stock disposal, provision of rubbish removal services, supply of resources to the Emergency Operations Centre and Incident Management Team, provision of facilities for relief and recovery, representation on local and state recovery meetings and committees, manning of the State Emergency Centre and provision of timely communications to the public.

A dedicated webpage has been setup to support those affected by the firesmountbarker.sa.gov.au

About 23,966 hectares was damaged in the fires, resulting in the following losses:

• 1 fatality• 52 injuries• 543 properties affected• 3,704 livestock losses • 12 horticultural properties• 63 vineyards• 8 apiarists (414 hives lost)• 83 dwellings destroyed • 28 dwellings damaged• 493 outbuildings lost• 292 vehicles lost

Recovering from the devastating Cudlee

Creek bushfires

Free Steel DisposalResidents with damaged steel on their properties are invited to dispose of it for free at the Scout Recycling Centre (Windmill Hill Transfer Station).Sims Metal Management has also offered fire-affected residents a 10-40m3 skip bin at no delivery/collection cost.Phone 0401 146 794 to make a bookingwww.simsmm.com.au/sell-to-us/what-we-buy/

Mental Health StrategyThe Australian Government unveiled a $76 million bushfire strategy to fund improved mental health services for firefighters and bushfire survivors.The program will provide free counselling and support to individuals, families, communities and emergency services workers affected by the bushfires.health.gov.au

Livestock managementUnfortunately a large number of stock were destroyed in the fires and disposal has been a major undertaking.It is recommended that affected farmers and residents contact their insurers prior to disposal of stock.

For assessment of burnt livestock, deceased animals and disposal advice, contact PIRSA on 1800 255 556.

The Cudlee Creek bushfire commenced on a catastrophic fire day on 20 December 2019 and rapidly spread across the Adelaide Hills region and into our district with severe impacts to life, property and the natural environment. Mount Barker was identified as a safer place to go, with the local oval and showgrounds promoted as a place of last resort.

A combined effortAn Emergency Relief Centre was established at the Mount Barker High School to provide a safe haven and assistance for people unable to return to their home. During the incident, Council’s new Environmental Services Centre was also used as the site for Emergency Operations including coordinated resources from other councils such as Adelaide Hills, Marion, Burnside, Barossa, Yankalilla, Campbelltown, Playford, Port Adelaide Enfield and Norwood Payneham St Peters.

Reopening local roadsFires badly damaged Council infrastructure and created a number of roadside vegetation hazards. Led by qualified arborists, Council has cleared trees as necessary to enable roads to be opened.

800,000 litres of waterThe fires brought an immediate demand for water (potable and non-potable). The CFS, in collaboration with SA Water and local water carting contractors, offered a potable water supply service and Council utilised its existing water tankers to cart around 800,000 litres of non-potable water to Harrogate Hall for CFS and community use.

Dealing with wasteSince the fires, Council issued replacement bins to affected properties at no charge and kerbside collection services have been restored.

Two large skip bins, for the disposal of domestic waste, were delivered to affected townships including Harrogate and Brukunga.

In addition, the disposal of domestic waste to the Windmill Hill Transfer Station was offered free of charge for fire affected properties.

A dedicated webpage has been setup to support those affected by the firesmountbarker.sa.gov.au

The cost of the bushfire and associated recovery is estimated to be in excess of $1M

An example of a tree burning from the inside out during the recent bushfire

Council’s new Environmental Services Centre (Springs Road) was used as the site for Emergency Operations

State Recovery CentreIf you were affected by the fires, the Cudlee Creek Recovery Centre at Lobethal can assist by linking you with important services and support.Located at the Old Woollen Mill, 1 Lobethal Rd (open daily 7am-7pm)

Phone 1800 302 787dhs.sa.gov.au/services/disaster-recovery/cudleecreek

Grants and allowancesA number of financial assistance packages are available including:• Re-establishment Grants• Personal Hardship Grants• Disaster Recovery (both short-term

and one-off payments)• Small business Recovery• Primary Producer Grants• Red Cross Emergency

Army SupportThe Australian Government announced army reservists will join bushfire recovery efforts. Australian Defence Force personnel may be available to repair fences, tree and land, assessment and demolition of unsafe structures.

Please contact the State Recovery Office on 1800 302 787 or email DHS.StateRecoveryOffice@sa.gov.au

Valuable assistance is available to those affected by the fires