Bushfire Recovery News and Updates

Share Bushfire Recovery News and Updates on Facebook Share Bushfire Recovery News and Updates on Twitter Share Bushfire Recovery News and Updates on Linkedin Email Bushfire Recovery News and Updates link

Consultation has concluded

Our bushfire recovery page was created to support those in the Orara Valley, and other communities within our local government area, as they recover from the November 2019 bushfires.


There is a range of assistance available for local households, businesses, industries and landholders.

Coffs Harbour City Council is working in collaboration with the emergency services, State and Federal government agencies, charities and others to deliver this assistance.

Service NSW Bushfire Customer Care Service

For people impacted by bushfire, the NSW Bushfire Customer Care Service will help you navigate the support and financial assistance that's available across all levels of government

Our bushfire recovery page was created to support those in the Orara Valley, and other communities within our local government area, as they recover from the November 2019 bushfires.


There is a range of assistance available for local households, businesses, industries and landholders.

Coffs Harbour City Council is working in collaboration with the emergency services, State and Federal government agencies, charities and others to deliver this assistance.

Service NSW Bushfire Customer Care Service

For people impacted by bushfire, the NSW Bushfire Customer Care Service will help you navigate the support and financial assistance that's available across all levels of government.

Service NSW provides one-on-one support for people and businesses.

They can help with:

  • Accommodation advice
  • Relevant charitable services
  • Mental health and wellbeing services
  • Support for businesses
  • Clean-up services
  • Financial assistance
  • Grants and rebates
  • Insurance and legal support
  • Replacing lost ID
  • Volunteer RFS and SES payments.

Call 13 77 88 or visit the Service NSW website to register for a callback.

Community Consultation

This page will be used periodically for community consultation to learn what ideas our community may have for recovery and to find ways to improve disaster management in future events.

As of April 2020, Council has undertaken a series of community consultations with Orara Valley
residents and the broader community to inform the development of the proposed Program of Works for recovery including:

  • Community meetings at Nana Glen Community Hall on 28 January 2020 and 11 March 2020
  • A ‘Have Your Say’ survey on this page which received 42 responses
  • Telephone and in-person interviews with Nana Glen residents and Orara Valley businesses

Feedback has also been consolidated by the Acting Community Recovery Officer and from the community-led Orara Valley Bushfire Recovery Working Group

Additionally, Council has consulted internally and with the NSW Rural Fire Service.

'Sign Up' on this page to stay informed on further opportunities for consultation as well as community recovery updates.

Consultation has concluded

Category Planning and rebuild   Show all

  • Architects Assist - Disaster Recovery Assistance

    Share Architects Assist - Disaster Recovery Assistance on Facebook Share Architects Assist - Disaster Recovery Assistance on Twitter Share Architects Assist - Disaster Recovery Assistance on Linkedin Email Architects Assist - Disaster Recovery Assistance link

    Architects Assist is an initiative by the built environment industry to help and support those affected by the Australian bushfire crisis and help communities ‘build back better’. If you lost your home and have limited or no funds to rebuild you can request help with Architects Assist. If you are a registered architect you can offer free assistance to those in need.

  • Council rate relief and support to help you rebuild

    Share Council rate relief and support to help you rebuild on Facebook Share Council rate relief and support to help you rebuild on Twitter Share Council rate relief and support to help you rebuild on Linkedin Email Council rate relief and support to help you rebuild link

    We are providing a range of measures to support our residents during recovery and rebuild.

    Rates and Charges Relief

    Council provides Rates and Charges relief to ratepayers (to extend due dates for payment etc.) via its Rates, Charges and Fees - Financial Hardship Policy. For more information, on how to apply for this relief please contact Council on 02 6648 4000 during business hours.

    Assistance with Repairs and Rebuilding

    For information about rebuilding after the fires please, contact Ben Oliver on 02 6648 4626 during business hours.

    Application Fee Relief

    Council at it's meeting of 13 February 2020 resolved to waive rebuilding development and construction related application fees and charges for bushfire impacted property owners identified by the Rural Fire Service Building Impact Assessment process.

    Please note that this fee waiver applies to benefit the current property owners and is not transferrable in the event of the property being sold.