Central Coast Mayor Lawrie McKinna said early on Sunday that as many as 18 houses have been lost in Koolewong.
The number of bushfires and unpredictable weather conditions across the state are impacting not only homes but also critical infrastructure, fencing, agricultural assets and National Parks.
Premier Chris Minns visited areas affected by the Koolewong bushfire this morning.Credit: Sitthixay Ditthavong
The disaster declaration by the state and federal governments allow for a suite of measures to help residents, businesses, primary producers, and councils.
“We know people have lost homes, livelihoods, and their sense of security. Whilst we continue to contain the fires that have impacted communities across NSW, our priority is also to support those people whose homes and livelihoods have been impacted,” said NSW Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin. “These declarations make immediate assistance available so the difficult task of cleaning up and rebuilding can begin when it is safe to do so.”
A watch and act alert remains in place at Redhead, south of Newcastle, where southerly winds are fuelling a 40-hectare bushfire.
Among the homeowners who returned to check on their Koolewong homes on Sunday were Mike and Katie Greene, who were able to retrieve some of their belongings.
Mike and Katie Greene leave the fire-affected area after retrieving some belongings from their just-completed home which survived the Koolewong bushfire. Credit: Sitthixay Ditthavong
Katie Greene said she fled with her children before the fire reached their street.
The couple moved to the area five years ago, and said at least five neighbours had lost their homes, though theirs was saved. “It’s such a lovely local community, it’s just heartbreak,” she said.
The blaze moved fast, fanned by high winds. All Greene heard was a firetruck and, half an hour later, the flames were swallowing houses.
Residents return to their homes bordering the Koolewong bushfire. Credit: Sitthixay Ditthavong
“The bush has been super dry, and it was so hot and so windy today and the firefighters – amazing, amazing,” she said.
As the bushfire engulfed many of the 29 houses on Nimbin Road and 1100 firefighters battled to contain the blaze, a four-bedroom house at the end of the street was scheduled to go to auction.
Owner Blanche Stack said she was told by a neighbour that the street was on fire as she was travelling from Sydney to the auction.
Stack said she feels lucky the house remains standing, given neighbours up the street have lost their homes. Stack said her insurance on the property was cancelled a month ago.
Central Coast Mayor Lawrie McKinna said early on Sunday that as many as 18 houses have been lost in Koolewong. Credit: Sitthixay Ditthavong
Not withstanding the drama unfolding on the street, the auction still went ahead.
Real estate agent Simon Hayes said once the area had been evacuated, buyers were advised the auction would be held inhouse at the LJ Hooker East Gosford office.
Four bidders registered and three parties competed for the property taking the bids well past the $700,000 guide to $800,000 before it was passed in.
Hayes said there was a clause in the contract that if there were unforeseen circumstances that changed the property substantially, such as a fire, the sale would have been voided.
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“It would have done them a favour really if it went up in flames,” Hayes said, referencing the dilapidated state of the house.
Stack said there were still plans to sell the property next year, but if it didn’t sell they would renovate it and keep it as an investment.
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