Wingecarribee Shire Council will hold an extraordinary meeting at the Moss Vale council theatrette to discuss the region's recovery from recent bushfires.

This will include looking at the allocation of a $1 million Disaster Recovery grant.

The costs associated with rebuilding could also be forced into the spotlight under a Notice of Motion that has been submitted by Councillor Ken Halstead and supported by Councillor Gary Turland.

This includes waiving of council fees and a maximum 10-day turnaround for development approval.

The council recommendation before the meeting is:

1. That council acknowledge the allocation of $1 million to Wingecarribee Shire Council through the Commonwealth Government Disaster Recovery Grant for bushfire impacted communities

2. That council acknowledge the requirement of the grant funding to develop a program of works within three (3) months (i.e. no later April 9, 2020) and report to the Office of Local Government on how the funding was spent within 12 months (i.e. no later 9 January 2021)

3. That council allocate the $1 million Commonwealth Government Disaster Recovery Grant for bushfire impacted councils for the following projects and amounts:

However Cr Halstead's will be moving:

1. That Development Application fees not be charged for new (replacement) homes and businesses that were burned down in the recent bushfires within the Wingecarribee Shire, and

2. That Development Applications for new (replacement) homes and businesses that were burned down in the recent bushfires be processed within 10 working days.

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In a letter to council, councillors and council staff Cr Halstead said "you would all be aware that I gave notice of my intention to make a submission to the NSW Government regarding 'turnaround' times for processing Development Applications; this was discussed at a recent Information Session."

He confirmed that he had made the submissions to the NSW premier, with copies forwarded to four other members of parliament including ministers.

Cr Halstead said in the letter to council that "it was my request that the state government legislate to force local government councils to process development applications for dwelling houses and businesses that had been burned down in recent bushfires, within 10 working days."

"It is my strong belief that local government must be forced (by legislation if necessary) to act responsibly in this matter, he said

"The state government has the power to legislate in this matter and it should without delay.

"Other local government councils affected by the recent bushfires have already resolved that Development Application fees not be required for new homes and businesses burned down recently.

"It is a 'nonsense' for the council to pursue DA fees from the affected ratepayers in our shire. In my opinion it would be a case of reprehensible behaviour."

The meeting which is open to the public, will begin in the council theatrette, the Civic Centre, Elizabeth Street, Moss Vale, at 3.30pm.

It has been Australia's lost summer. Drought, hail, floods and, worst of all, bushfires have ravaged communities all over the nation. But the selfless actions of friends, family, neighbours, strangers, local groups and volunteer organisations have inspired us and strengthened the bonds of community. Please join us in saying thanks to the heroes of the home front by sharing your stories of gratitude. To salute a person or a group, please use the form below.