Latest News

Add My News • Search Old News

Gippsland › Latest news › Latrobe Local News

Council offers rebuilding help for bushfire victims

Latrobe City residents whose properties were damaged in the recent bushfires that swept through the Toongabbie area before Christmas are being urged to contact Council to seek help and information prior to rebuilding.

By Latrobe City Council - 16th January 2007 - Back to News

"Residents rebuilding should note that a number of requirements affecting owner/builders have been introduced in recent years.

"Council recommends that anyone proposing works over $12,000 engage the services of a Registered Building Practitioner to carry out the work.

If you wish to be an owner/builder an application must be made to the Building Practitioners Board to obtain a Certificate of Consent," Ms Stevenson explained.

Ms Stevenson added that it was not just properties damaged in the fires, but many fences too.

"If your fencing was damaged in the Toongabbie bushfires, assistance may be available to remove it. Contact Latrobe City on 1300 367 700 to register a request for assistance.

"If your fences abut Crown Land eg a State Forest, you need to contact the Department of Sustainability and Environment on 136 186 to discuss re-fencing options," Ms Stevenson advised.

"If you have questions about the clearing of native vegetation and burnt trees along fence lines, again the Department of Sustainability and Environment can help.

"Local Government has no responsibility for fencing adjacent to any roadway and unfortunately, there is currently no government funding for re-fencing, though should this happen, information will be available to communities," Ms Stevenson said.

Ms Stevenson added that by registering a request for assistance with Latrobe City, local community groups may be available to help with working bees in the affected areas.

"Working bees provide an excellent opportunity for surrounding communities to offer assistance to others affected by bushfires. We will endeavour to help match requests to local groups offering to help," Ms Stevenson said.

Cr Zimora said that every request for assistance in rebuilding would be attended to efficiently in the hope of allowing those affected residents to start putting some positive plans for the future in place.

For further assistance contact Latrobe City Council’s Planning, Building or Health Teams at 141 Commercial Road, Morwell or phone 1300 367 700.


Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com



Edit this news article




Related Articles

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Baw Baw Bass Coast Cardinia East Gippsland Latrobe City South Gippsland Wellington
© 2001-2025 gippsland.com Print this page | Subscribe to Newsletter | Feedback / Inquiries | Login
Care has been taken in compiling the component parts of this website. However, Gippsland.com does not warrant or represent that the website is free from errors or omissions, that the qualifications claimed by an advertiser are valid or that the published details of any advertiser are as stated on the website. Please review the full statement of our Terms and Conditions of Service and disclaimer.