Many residents have requested an update regarding bushfire recovery grant funding. There are a number of projects and activities being planned or underway to support the recovery of the Orara Valley community. The delivery and structure of many of these projects have been hindered by government COVID-19 restrictions. However, Council remains committed to planning and thinking creatively to ensure projects are delivered. Funding projects target different needs within the community and where possible are community-led.

Coffs Harbour City Council received $ 1.4 million in bushfire funding from the State and Federal Governments to support the community. These funds will support the projects outlined below and all funding is required to be acquitted through the funding agencies to ensure funds are spent in accordance with funding agreements.

Business & Tourism

Whilst the Orara Valley was directly impacted by bushfire, other parts of the business community throughout the wider local government area were also indirectly impacted by bushfire activity. As a result, the Council received $100 000 from the Bushfire Community Resilience and Economic Recovery Fund. This project was designed to assist with economic recovery and drive visitation to the Coffs Harbour area through events and activities that showcase the Orara Valley. The following activities have been postponed due to government COVID-19 restrictions and are now planned for November and December. Tourism and business recovery activities include:

• Support of existing markets including promotion activity, support for organisers and development of small businesses.
• Showcase Orara Valley’s products and abilities to the wider Coffs Coast and surrounding regions with a local food flavours “long lunch” in the Orara Valley.
• Development and promotion of a tourism trail across the Orara Valley, showcasing the variety of experiences.
• Imagery/videography and content for local community and business to promote community atmosphere and liveability.

Community Recovery and Resilience

Successful Disaster Recovery specialist Anne Leadbeater states, “Being recovered is being able to live a life you have reason to value”. Successful recovery is community-centred, responsive and flexible, ensuring there is community engagement and support to move forward.

Community Recovery and Resilience activities have been severely impacted by COVID-19 restrictions but planning around events continues. Events currently under consultation or in the planning phase include:

• Community preparedness activities to help educate community about preparing property for bushfire and promoting a bushfire plan.
• Inviting Disaster Recovery Specialist speakers to help educate community about the recovery process.
• School recovery art project.
• Supporting community organisations to host community events.

The Community Recovery Officer (CRO) wants your ideas on how to promote recovery and resilience in the community. All ideas are welcome including any existing community-led activities that bring community together. Please email the CRO your ideas or complete the survey Have Your Say - Allocating Bushfire Recovery Funding. Email: melinda.brooks@chcc.nsw.gov.au

Nana Glen Memorial Hall Upgrade

Whilst not damaged in the bushfire, the Nana Glen Memorial is utilised by a variety of community groups and is identified as a NSW Rural Fire Service Neighbourhood Safer Place. To improve the amenity of the Hall upgrade works included the installation of solar panels and air-conditioning.

Community Recovery Officer Position

The appointment of a CRO enables a dedicated position to work alongside affected property owners and the broader community and liaise with Council; community groups; various State agencies; charitable organisations; and nongovernment organisations to enable and support the community during the recovery process. The CRO was appointed in April.

Hard Stand Sites and Emergency Vehicle Turnaround Bays

The upgrade of hard stand sites will ensure durable water access across the local government area during fire emergencies. Locales for the hard stand sites include: Brooklana; Camp Creek; Ulong; Lowanna; Nana Glen; Bucca; Moonee; Upper Corindi; Bonville. Locales for turnaround bays for emergency vehicles include: Gunderene Road; Powerline; Mole Creek; and Georges Gold Mine.

Assessments of works will commence in August with rolling completion dates to be finalised by November.

Upgrade of Neighbourhood Safer Places

Neighbourhood Safer Places are designated by the NSW Rural Fire Services as a place of last resort during a bushfire. Subject to further planning, Council is seeking to upgrade the Eastern Dorrigo Community Hall at Ulong and Lowanna Community Hall to be used by community and emergency service personnel during a bushfire emergency.

Environmental Recovery Program

Consultation has included speaking to residents and community environmental groups. The main community concerns include: weed control; erosion control and mitigation; regeneration of burnt lands and installation of nesting boxes. The Environmental Recovery Program will likely unfold in two phases and coordination of service providers and guidelines around the program are currently being planned.

Upgrade to McPhersons Road Bridge (Crown asset)

During the bushfire event there was uncertainty as to whether the McPhersons Road Bridge could support the weight of a loaded fire appliance. An external consultant is presently reviewing the load bearing assessment of the bridge and if the bridge is certified as load bearing, no further action will be required. Alternatively, if the bridge is deemed not to be load bearing, Council will seek to advocate Crown Lands to replace the bridge. Should this bid be unsuccessful, Council will complete the work with the allocated Commonwealth funding.

Should funding not be required, the $250 000 will be reallocated as an additional $100 000 for upgrade of Neighbourhood Safer Places project and $150 000 to the Environmental Recovery Program.

Please feel free to contact the Community Recovery Officer if you would like further information.