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The Canberra Times
The Canberra Times
National
Andrew Brown

Bushfire assistance offered to South Coast and Queabeyan councils

Residents in bushfire affected areas on the South Coast and near Braidwood will be eligible for disaster assistance from the state and federal government.

Bushfire assistance has been extended to multiple local council areas, including Eurobodalla, Shoalhaven and Queanbeyan-Palerang.

A bushfire hit Bawley Point on Thursday afternoon. Picture: Sitthixay Ditthavong

There are now 40 local government areas across NSW that are now eligible for assistance as the bushfire crisis engulfs the state.

The disaster assistance will include help for residents whose homes and belongings were damaged in the bushfire, support for local councils to help with the clean-up and recovery efforts along with concessional interest rate loans for small businesses and primary producers.

Freight subsidies will also be offered along with grants to non-profit organisations in the area.

A NSW Rural Fire Service volunteer works to battle a bushfire on Murramarang Road in Bawley Point on Thursday afternoon. Picture: Sitthixay Ditthavong

As of Friday, there are more than 100 bushfires burning across the state.

The Currowan fire on the South Coast has destroyed as many as four buildings and has threatened coastal communities in Bawley Point and Lake Tabourie.

The fire has burnt more than 73,000 hectares.

The North Black Range fire burning near Braidwood has been burning for more than a week and has destroyed one property.

Fire crews have said challenging conditions lie ahead for firefighters tackling both blazes.

The fires have forced the closures of the Princes Highway and sections of the Kings Highway to the east and west of Braidwood.

Fire crews battle to save homes on Thrush Street in Bawley Point on Thursday. Picture: Sitthixay Ditthavong

Federal Natural Disaster Minister David Littleproud said the areas eligible to receive bushfire assistance had been extended as new firegrounds open up.

"This will help people whose homes and belongings have been badly damaged," Mr Littleproud said.

"Practical assistance is also available to support ongoing clean-up efforts.

"Fires have been burning for weeks and pose a threat to lives, properties and communities."

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The government said decisions on further assistance would be made as needed as the fires develop.

NSW Emergency Services minister David Elliott said the fires engulfing much of the state were unprecedented.

"I urge everyone in the vicinity of the fires to monitor the situation closely and follow any advice that is given by the Rural Fire Service," he said.

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