Eurobodalla Shire Council Media Release Tuesday 10 December 2019 Let the goodwill and positivity continue, Mayor

Eurobodalla Mayor Liz Innes says community spirit lights the way in dark times, as more than 80,000 hectares of land has burnt in bushfires north of Batemans Bay.

“We’ve witnessed amazing acts of generosity and kindness,” Clr Innes said, “with neighbours helping neighbours, so much support for evacuees, and local businesses doing what was necessary to help”.

“The love and respect for our incredible firies is on display for all to see. And if you want to help – a cash donation to your local RFS lets them buy what they need.”

The Mayor said the Princes Highway was open again thanks to people working extraordinary hours under challenging conditions to make the road safe.

“However, business will continue to be impacted,” Clr Innes said.

“The Kings Highway remains closed and we’re already seeing tourism affected, with visitors cancelling their reservations.”

She said now more than ever, locals needed to keep going with goodwill and positivity.

“With the Princes Highway open, we’ll be making sure people know that summer in Eurobodalla will be as good as ever,” Clr Innes said.

“Locals can help by encouraging friends and family to visit, or try being a tourist yourself – take the time to go visit that village, that attraction, that café you’ve always being meaning too.

“Now more than ever, we need everyone to buy local and spend money right here in the shire.”

The Mayor added she’s working with the Batemans Bay Business and Tourism Chamber and Bega MP Andrew Constance to organise an opportunity for the community to directly thank firies.

ENDS

Caption: Eurobodalla Mayor Liz Innes and Batemans Bay Tourism and Business Chamber president Alison Miers say buy local and help businesses get back on track after a tough start to summer.

For all media enquiries, please contact 02 4474 1012 | 0448 005 166 | council.media@esc.nsw.gov.au

Eurobodalla Shire Council Media Release Wednesday 18 December 2019

It’s safety first, highway remains closed

The Kings Highway remains closed as bushfires continue to burn north of the highway.

Eurobodalla Mayor Liz Innes says firefighters on Clyde Mountain are battling to keep the blaze from jumping the highway into Monga National Park, in the shire’s north-west.

“I want the community to be prepared. There’s potential for serious fire impacts over the weeks and months ahead,” Cr Innes said.

“Firefighters are working in appalling conditions on steep and heavily forested terrain, up to Government Bend. It’s taken a massive effort to keep the fire contained so far.

“It’s safety first, and that’s why Transport for NSW has closed the Kings Highway.

“Council staff have been on the mountain to assess damage, however, we’ve just stood them down because of the dangerous conditions.

“The reality is we’re only a few weeks into summer, there’s no rain predicted, and hot weather is only going to make conditions drier and more uncertain.

“Emergency agencies managing this fire are acutely aware of the impact of highway closures to Eurobodalla’s economy. Our businesses are already under the hammer and realistically that looks set to continue while the Kings remains shut.

“The best thing we can do as a community is buy local, support one another, and make sure you and family know what you’ll do in a fire.

“Get your bushfire plan done, prepare your homes and yards, farmers need to make plans for their stock, offer a helping hand to neighbours who might need it, especially the elderly.

“The economic impact and the stress and uncertainty right on Christmas is tough. But together - being strong, caring for each other, and most of all being prepared - we will get through this.”

ENDS For all media enquiries, please contact 02 4474 1012 | 0448 005 166 | council.media@esc.nsw.gov.au

Transport for NSW Media Release 18 DECEMBER 2019

Kings Highway remains closed at Batemans Bay due to bushfires

Motorists are advised access remains closed into Batemans Bay via the Kings Highway as bushfires continue to impact the road network in the area. Transport for NSW Regional Director Southern, Sam Knight, said Transport for NSW is working with emergency service operators and other stakeholders to ensure communities are safe. “With the ongoing fires in and around the Eurobodalla Local Government Area and predicted high temperatures and strong winds over the coming days, it will be some time before Transport for NSW crews are able to assess the damage to the Kings Highway,” Ms Knight said. “Transport for NSW continues to work with key stakeholders including the Heavy Vehicle industry, local freight drivers and tourism services in providing updates on the status of the road. “While we appreciate the inconvenience to motorists, the number one priority remains safety and we are working very closely with the Rural Fire Service and NSW Police in assisting their current efforts.” Transport for NSW and Eurobodalla Shire Council staff need to assess the damage and undertake any required repairs prior to re-opening the road. Ms Knight said due to predicted extreme weather in the coming days it is likely other major highways within the region could be affected if the fires continue to spread. “Transport for NSW is continuously monitoring a number of fires throughout the area and is urging motorists to plan their journey and follow livetraffic.com for the latest updates. “Motorists should also continue to exercise caution, and follow the directions of emergency services and traffic crews.” For the latest traffic information, visit www.livetraffic.com, download the Live Traffic NSW app or call 132 701.

Leave Eurobodalla now if leaving NSW Rural Fire Service warn there is significant potential for fires on the far south coast to impact people’s travel plans tomorrow and over coming days. Visitors who choose to remain may not be able to leave until any fire-impacted areas can be made safe. If you need to leave, leaving now is the safest option. Please check Live Traffic and Fires Near Me prior to departure, and regularly during your journey. Drive with your car headlights on at all times so you can be seen, and please travel with extra food and water. People planning to visit the south coast of New South Wales are asked to delay their plans until the current fire activity has passed. This includes Eurobodalla’s popular tourist towns of South Durras, Batemans Bay, Broulee, Moruya, Tuross Head, Narooma and Tilba. If you intend to stay on the south coast, please have a bushfire survival plan ready to activate. Do not enter bushland areas. Stay up to date with the latest RFS information via Fires Near Me, call 1800 679 737 or listen to ABC Southeast radio or 2EC/PowerFM. ENDS

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