The State Government has stepped in to ease the Development Application burden on fire-affected residents.
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The Southern Highland News has been advised that the State Government Deputy Premier John Barilaro announced on January 31 that it would not charge councils any state levies for any Development Applications from people who have lost their homes in this season's bushfires.
The announcement was confirmed by Wollondilly and Goulburn MPs Nathaniel Smith and Wendy Tuckerman on Mr Smith's Facebook page at about 4.30pm today (January 31).
Mr Smith also called for Wingecarribee Shire Council to hold an extraordinary meeting as soon as possible to waive all DA fees.
"People have been hit so hard in the northern and southern villages. They are going through pain, they are going through trauma. We do not want to add extra additional costs on their recovery,"Mr Smith said.
The Local Government Association NSW has also advised that it will provide free support from councils, that are in a position to help, to assist with the prompt process of DAs for buildings lost in the fires.
A Wingecarribe Shire Council spokesman said that a "number of LGNSW member councils had offered generous support to fire-affected local government areas."
"Assistance with Development Applications is one such area where support has been offered and while we've yet to receive any applications so far, when they arrive we'll definitely be keeping the offer in mind," he said
"In the interim a number of councils have offered to assist in other areas including Liverpool City Council which will be joining us on the ground in the coming days."
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.
