After a slow start, bushfire impacted property holders have been told all sites will be cleaned up by August and each property holder will have an approximate date of works within two weeks.
Gippsland East Nationals MP, Tim Bull, raised the matter with the Premier’s office some weeks ago and again in Parliament this week.
“The expectations of prompt action were established when on January 19 the Minister said Grocon had been appointed and work would begin immediately. But three months later little had been done and no timeframe had been received,” said Mr Bull.
“Some families who lost their homes have 12 months to commence their re builds or their insurance policy may be voided and others who have cover for six months’ accommodation have used over half their entitlement, so they are becoming extremely anxious.
“Having pushed for quicker action on clean- ups and a schedule for impacted property holders, it is pleasing to get results.
“The other point I raised was around the level of use of local contractors and also the rates or pay that were being offered.
“I presented four case studies to Bushfire Recovery Victoria this week and to their credit they took these matters up immediately and I am advised they have been resolved, but I am awaiting a formal response.
“What prompted this was local contractors stating they had registered but not been contacted, while others who were fortunate to gain work, presented evidence of totally uneconomic pay rates.
“What we have asked for is a guarantee that local contractors will get a fair go at the bushfire clean-up and be paid reasonably, said Mr Bull.
Caption: Local MP Tim Bull, pictured at a fire impacted property at Sarsfield, has been advised that the bushfire clean-up will be finished by the end of August and that landowners still waiting will shortly have a confirmed date for their clean-up.
