Three and a half months after the State Government appointed Grocon so bushfire clean-up work “can begin immediately”, little has been done.

Gippsland East Nationals MP, Tim Bull, said that when the Minister made this comment on January 18, it led to expectations the clean-up would be underway in a few weeks.

As of April 1, 620 registrations had been received in East Gippsland, with almost all requiring clean up works - but just 10 sites had been completed.

“Just on a month ago in Parliament I asked for a timeframe from the State Government, due to contact from a number of extremely frustrated property owners.

“What those impacted want is the detail of when they can expect some action, but it isn’t forthcoming and adds to stress levels. At this rate some families will be waiting several more months.

“Some families who lost their homes have been given six months accommodation through their insurance companies and the clock is ticking. Others have been told that if their rebuild is not commenced within 12 months, the policy will be voided.

“My office was also told we would have 21-22 crews working in East Gippsland by the end of March, but it never happened. What I am seeking is some accurate timeframes and information to be able to provide to those families who have lost everything and are in limbo.

“Families can’t look at rebuilding until the sites are cleared, that is the first stage and several hundred are still waiting to be told when they can expect a crew.”

Mr Bull said he had also fielded a number of complaints on non-local contractors being used and this was an issue he had raised with Grocon and Bushfire Recovery Victoria directly.

“For example, I have local contractors who have registered asking me why they are seeing trucks from places like Shepparton and Wangaratta doing jobs they could do.

“The advice I have received is that equipment has to be certified to work at an asbestos removal site and there are many cases where vehicles and equipment from out of town is being operated by locals.”

Mr Bull said that is something he would seek to clarify with Grocon.

Caption: Tim Bull in front of the remains of what was John Kinniburgh’s Sarsfield home.

Thursday, April 9, 2020