A- Z listing
A- Z listing
A- Z listing
A- Z listing
ASBESTOS
ASBESTOS
ASBESTOS
ASBESTOS
Police warn of potential asbestos hazards in buildings destroyed during recent bush fires. Owners of fire damaged or destroyed homes and buildings need to be aware of the possibility of asbestos being present. If your home or your neighbour’s home was constructed before 1987 then it can potentially have asbestos containing materials (e.g. fibro). For more details and advice see:
EPA:
http://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/waste/asbestos/home.htm
http://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/waste/asbestos/home.htm
http://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/waste/asbestos/home.htm
WorkCover:
http://www.workcover.nsw.gov.au/newlegislation2012/headsofasbestoscoordinationauthorities/Pages/asbestosresources.aspx
http://www.workcover.nsw.gov.au/newlegislation2012/headsofasbestoscoordinationauthorities/Pages/asbestosresources.aspx
http://www.workcover.nsw.gov.au/newlegislation2012/headsofasbestoscoordinationauthorities/Pages/asbestosresources.aspx
BMCC
www.bmcc.nsw.gov.au
www.bmcc.nsw.gov.au
www.bmcc.nsw.gov.au
BUILDING / DEVELOPMENT ADVICE
BUILDING / DEVELOPMENT ADVICE
BUILDING / DEVELOPMENT ADVICE
BUILDING / DEVELOPMENT ADVICE
For all building, development, planning advice, please contact Council on 4780 5000
CEMETERY
CEMETERY
CEMETERY
CEMETERY
Springwood Cemetery is currently closed until further notice.
FINANCIAL HELP
FINANCIAL HELP
FINANCIAL HELP
FINANCIAL HELP
People requiring urgent assistance can contact Centrelink Springwood on 180 22 66. A Centrelink Officer will be available to give people disaster relief assistance and advice at the evacuation centres at the Springwood Sports Club and the Workers Club at Lithgow.
NSW Government Natural Disaster Assistance Scheme
NSW Government Natural Disaster Assistance Scheme
NSW Government Natural Disaster Assistance Scheme
NSW Government Natural Disaster Assistance Scheme
Personal Hardship and Distress Assistance
Primary Producers- Loans
- Loans of up to $130,000 are available (subject to certain eligibility criteria), at a concessional interest rate for those in urgent need. The NSW Rural Assistance Authority administers this scheme. Inquiries should be directed to the Authority on 1800 678 593 or www.raa.nsw.gov.au
Primary Producers
- Transport Subsidies Transport freight subsidies of up to 50 percent on the carriage of livestock and fodder are available to help primary producers. For general enquires, call (02) 6391 3242 or www.lhpa.org.au
Small Businesses
-Loans of up to $130,000 are available at a concessional rate to small businesses affected by disasters and which meet certain eligibility criteria. Inquiries should be directed to the Authority on 1800 678 593 or www.raa.nsw.gov.au
Sporting Clubs
- A special scheme is available to assist sporting clubs in meeting the costs of restoration of essential club facilities that have been damaged or destroyed. The public enquiry number is (02) 9228 5181.
Churches and Voluntary Non-profit Organisations-
Loan assistance is available to churches and voluntary non-profit organisations for the restoration of essential facilities that have been damaged or destroyed. The public enquiry number is (02) 9228 5181.
Motor Vehicle Stamp Duty Relief-
Motorists whose cars have been written off as a result of a natural disaster may be eligible for a stamp duty refund on their replacement vehicle. Call1300 139 814 or www.osr.nsw.gov.au
Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payments
Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payments
Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payments
Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payments
If you and your family have been affected by the bushfires that have occurred you may be eligible for an Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP) of $1000 per adult and $400 per child under 16. For further information about the AGDRP visit the Australian Government’s Disaster Assistance website at
www.humanservices.gov.au/disaster or call 180 2266
www.humanservices.gov.au/disaster or call 180 2266
www.humanservices.gov.au/disaster or call 180 2266
INFORMATION
A Public Information and Inquiry Centre (PIIC) is open to assist the emergency service agencies by taking calls from the public and providing the public with general information relating to the bushfires. Call
1800 227 228
The Public Information and Inquiry Centre (PIIC) is taking calls, on behalf of The Red Cross, from members of the public concerned about relatives or friends who may have been evacuated. Your enquiry will be passed on to The Red Cross who will return your call when time permits. Call 1800 227 228
INTERNET ACCESS
Residents directly impacted by the bushfire who do not have access to the internet can come to Springwood Library, Macquarie Rd Springwood and use the Library computers free of charge - see
www.bmcc.nsw.gov.au for locations and opening hours.
INSURANCE
If you have a query relating to insurance you can call the Insurance Council on 1300 444 557.
LEGAL ASSISTANCE
Legal Aid NSW helps people with their legal problems. Legal Aid NSW lawyers can provide free legal advice and minor assistance to people affected by disasters on a range of issues including insurance, tenancy and credit and debt problems. Call 1300 888 529 or www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au
MAYORAL RELIEF FUND
The Mayoral relief Fund aims to provide funding toward projects that contribute to the recovery and rebuilding efforts of the fire affected residents in the Blue Mountains.
National Australia Bank Trust Fund Account
BSB: 082 656 / Account No: 461792573
Or at Council offices: 2 Civic Place, Katoomba or 104 Macquarie Road, Springwood NSW.
Donations can be made by Cash, Cheque or Credit Card at our offices or at a National Australia Bank Branch by quoting the details above. Donations are tax deductible and BMCC will be waiving the normal credit card fees.
MOBILE PHONE
Telstra has deployed a COW (Cell on Wheels) to enhance the mobile network for residents and emergency service personnel. Note this is a remote base station without staff and does not offer mobile phone/network services on site for residents.
NATIONAL PARKS
– see
for official park closures
RATES
While the rating legislation does not allow for the Council to abandon rates and charges that have been levied Council is able to provide residents who have been directly affected by the bushfires with assistance on a range of matters for the remainder of the 2013/2014 financial period, such as Changes of postal address, pensioner concession rebates, waste management service charges, interest free period, arrangements to pay and the second quarterly rate instalment notices.
For all rates enquiries please contact Council on 4780 5000.
RECOVERY CENTRE
A Community Recovery Centre is open 7 days a week at the Presbyterian Hall, 158 Macquarie Rd, Springwood from 8am – 6pm to provide a one-stop-shop for information and advice on Local, State and Commonwealth government and non government services to people affected by the bushfires, for example:
RUBBISH BINS
Council has installed rubbish bins for community use in the neighbourhoods directly impacted by bushfire for residents returning to their fire damaged homes.
Weekly kerbside rubbish and recycling collections will continue as normal except in roads that are closed or directly impacted by fire.
SALVATION ARMY
If you wish to make any other contribution to the appeal in the form of accommodation, food or material goods contact the Salvation Army: Phone: 13 72 58
Donations to
Red Shield Family Store at 33-35 Waratah St, Katoomba located below Centrelink open 9-4 Mon to Fri., shop- 47826683.
Salvos care line and Emergency assistance after hours 1300 363 622
SHOWERS
Residents directly affected by the bushfire are welcome to use the shower facilities at Council’s Leisure Centres – see
www.bmcc.nsw.gov.au for locations and opening hours.
TOILETS
Council has installed portable toilets in the neighbourhoods directly impacted by bushfire for the use of residents returning to their fire damaged homes.
WALKING TRACKS, Lookouts & Camping Area closures
– see
BMCC
WASTE
Residents not affected by the bushfire emergency are advised to avoid, if possible, using the Katoomba and Blaxland WMF’s until further notice. The Katoomba and Blaxland WMF’swill be open during normal business hours.
Fire damaged building waste
Gate fees at Council’s Katoomba and Blaxland Waste Management Facilities (WMF) will be waived for building and property waste from fire damaged properties, free of charge - see www.bmcc.nsw.gov.au for locations and opening hours.
Green waste
To assist residents in preparing their property for fire threat, Council’s Katoomba and Blaxland Waste Management Facilities will accept green waste, free of charge, until 5pm Sunday 27 October - see www.bmcc.nsw.gov.au for locations and opening hours.
WATER
If you live in a bushfire-affected area you should be aware that water in your water tank could become contaminated from debris, ash or small dead animals. If the water tastes, looks or smells unusual do not use it for drinking or food preparation, or give it to animals.
For information see
Drinking Water Tanks in Bushfire Affected Areas
A JOINT EFFORT
Blue Mountains City Council is dedicating significant resources and expertise to assist with the bushfire emergency.
Working alongside emergency services, utility and land management agencies, the NSW and Australian Governments, Council continues to support an unprecedented emergency response and recovery effort across the City.
Council resources continue to be deployed in support of fire fighting operations, particularly with road blocks, asset inspections, bulk water support, equipment and plant and mechanical services. Crews are clearing unsafe trees and replacing road infrastructure.
It goes without saying that this is the major focus and priority for the whole City and indeed NSW. The emergency and recovery will be ongoing for weeks. This situation has already had a significant impact on our community.
With so many Council resources diverted to the bushfire emergency, the bushfire emergency has interrupted normal business across the City and will affect Council’s ability to deliver services in the coming days, weeks and months.
Council expects a delay in response times to customer service requests and completion of routine works.
Council is asking for the patience and understanding of residents and customers at this time.
THANKYOU
Blue Mountains City Council would like to acknowledge the extraordinary efforts of volunteers, organisations, agencies and contractors and of course our community involved in the ongoing bushfire emergency response and recovery.
