'Benandarah logging slash dangerous': Letters to the editor

Generating gratitude

With the extra funds they were able to buy generators and install sprinkler systems for their fire sheds.

In the heat of the New Year fires, the communities of the the small villages, including the dogs, were able to take shelter in the fire sheds.

They have thanked us since the events.

At Tin Pot, two people suffered burns from the fire and again they were able to shelter in the air-conditioned fire shed while awaiting a helicopter to take them to hospital.

We in turn are grateful that they stopped the fire from encroaching on Narooma.

We now intend to give them further funds so they can purchase remote switches to turn on the generators from inside the shed.

At Nerrigundah they would not have been able to access the switch if someone had not turned it on earlier in the day, as the fire hit with such force and ferocity that the firies had to don their protective gloves and push against the roller door to prevent it from caving in.

They all did an incredible job in some of the worst conditions and we commend them.

Narooma Drop-in Centre

'Logging slash dangerous'

Friends of Durras supports community demands for immediate action to remove dangerous logging slash in Benandarah State Forests.

A dangerous bushfire threat from a logging area opposite the only unburned area of Murramarang National Park, which is now sheltering the area's only population of endangered greater gliders, must be immediately removed.

At a meeting called to discuss a range of issues relating to the recent bushfires, South Durras residents on Saturday, February 15, passed a resolution demanding an immediate clean up of up to 100 tonnes per hectares of logging slash on the western side of the Princes Highway.

The residents of South Durras are very concerned at the bushfire threat posed by the massive fuel load left from these logging operations, and very concerned about the proximity of two petrol stations to this ongoing bushfire threat - a threat, that despite the welcome recent rain, will not abate until soil moisture levels return to normal, which could take two or more years.

Despite continued warnings since 2015 about the increased bushfire threat posed by logging operations close to coastal communities and Friends of Durras raising the alarm in November 2019, nothing has been done.

Murramarang National Park and residents of South Durras, North Durras, Maloneys Beach, Long Beach and Surfside have had this massive fire threat hanging over their heads like the sword of Damocles, through the worst bushfire season in Australia's history.

It is important to remember that the lighting strike that started the Currowan fire occurred in logging slash.

This area should never have been logged so close to coastal communities and continued failure to clean up this massive fuel load is gross negligence and must be rectified immediately.

This is why the resolution was a DEMAND and not a request.

Alec Marr, Friends of Durras

Over the past four weeks, the Eurobodalla Renal Support Group and Organ Donor Awareness have been at The Bridge Plaza, Batemans Bay, every Friday hosting a fundraiser in support of the Batemans Bay Rural Fire Service (RFS).

From the generosity and gratitude of community members, both local and visitors, we are proud to announce we raised $3,660. We shall be donating this directly to our Batemans Bay volunteer brigade. I wish to thank all who took part in this fundraiser.

I am sure everyone is with me when I thank the Batemans Bay and all other RFS volunteer men and woman for their outstanding courageous efforts over many many weeks: thank you.

Brad Rossiter OAM

Eurobodalla Renal Support Group and Organ Donor Awareness

Recovery sessions

The Eurobodalla Recovery Centre will run two outreach services this week, with information and support sessions at Mogo and Nerrigundah villages.

The sessions will provide members of both communities with the opportunity to talk one-on-one with representatives from bushfire support agencies. They can discuss support available, get assistance with navigating the recovery process, or simply have a bit of a chat.

Support agencies include Rural Resilience Program, Rural Financial Counselling Service, BlazeAid, Service NSW, Salvation Army, Red Cross, Eurobodalla Council, Rural Resilience Program, and health and wellbeing services. There is also opportunity for the community to help design ongoing support for their village; talk about what is working, where the gaps are now, and the support that will be needed in the future.

Residents of Mogo and Nerrigundah are asked to share this information with their neighbours, especially those who have lost their homes and are currently living elsewhere.

Mogo community recovery: Wednesday, February 19, Mogo fire shed, Tomakin Road. Drop-in 12.30-3.30, community planning workshop 4pm-6pm.

Nerrigundah and Cadgee community recovery: Thursday, February, 20, Nerrigundah fire shed, Gulph Street. Drop-in and recovery planning 11am-1pm, followed by lunch.

Eurobodalla Shire Council