The Salvation Army has promised long-term financial support to bushfire-affected residents, as many face the reality that their insurance payouts will not completely cover rebuilding costs.
At an information session held at Springwood last Thursday, residents were warned that they faced a shortfall in funds when it came to rebuilding because of higher construction costs required to meet bushfire regulations.
Non-combustible materials and higher-quality glass for windows are among the products that will add to the final bill.
Bushfire recovery co-ordinator Phil Koperberg told the packed gathering: “On average, if you are in BAL [Bushfire Attack Level] 40 or Flame Zone, the cost of replacing what you had will cost something between $80,000 and $120,000 more.
“Is the government going to make some provisions for that shortfall? The answer is no. But I will be speaking to the finance industry to see if that shortfall can be incorporated into existing mortgages.”
The 400 residents at the meeting also heard that council will waive many of the fees involved with development applications.
More than $7.7 million has been pledged to the Salvation Army’s bushfire appeal, although only $2.7 million has been received so far.
But $1.7 million in retail vouchers and pre-loaded EFTPOS cards has been distributed to families and business in the Mountains, on the central coast and in the Southern Highlands.
A spokesman for the Salvos, Major Bruce Harmer, said it was normal in disaster recovery work for the most costly part of the recovery to come further down the track.
“Those affected will need support in the longer term and this will be costly as they repair and rebuild existing homes or relocate to alternative accommodation,” Major Harmer said.
“Our plan for the distribution of bushfire appeal funds reflects this.”
The mayor’s relief fund has pledged $1.2 million and a meeting of the fund’s committee this week will determine criteria to distribute the money.
In addition a rebuild office has opened in the old council office below the library in Springwood.
Residents will be able to receive free advice on rebuilding specific to their own site as well as information about council and paperwork requirements.
The office will be staffed from 10am-4pm on weekdays but residents are being urged to make an appointment first by ringing council on 4723 5000.