Firefighters and local residents have been congratulated for their quick response to bushfire emergency conditions earlier this week as the Gospers Mountain fire continued to burn in the Hawkesbury area.
Macquarie MP, Susan Templeman, said Colo Heights residents and firefighters on the ground had been quick to respond to the emergency level fire that flared on Tuesday.
The Gospers Mountain fire has been listed at Watch and Act level this afternoon (Thursday) after being at Emergency level on Tuesday evening.
"Thanks to the response, the [NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS)] tells me that the breakout was relatively quickly tackled without the loss of any homes," Ms Templeman said.
Ms Templeman said there was a tremendous amount of work happening throughout the Hawkesbury to protect people and properties from the blaze, which has now grown to more than 170,000 hectares.
"Our whole community should be immensely proud of the terrific work being done through Hawkesbury Fire Control Centre in Wilberforce and on the front line, in the most professional way," she said.
"As the crews head out and come in, I've met RFS volunteers from all over greater Sydney, crews from interstate including Victoria and Tasmania, members of NSW Fire and Rescue, NSW National Parks, and the SES."
Ms Templeman said she particularly wanted to thank small businesses for their willingness to allow employees time off to fight the fire.
"People are taking time out of paid employment to fight these fires - people who are self-employed and employers are all making sacrifices so that our RFS has the capacity to manage this fire, and we owe them a great deal of thanks for that. And volunteer groups are helping as well as many individuals stepping up to assist the firefighting effort," she said.
"While it isn't making headlines, there is an incredible volunteer and community effort underway. There are also many people donating food and looking for ways to assist crews and other people affected by the fires, particularly those self-evacuating an area.
"We don't know how long that effort is going to have to continue. I would urge the NSW Government to consider upgrading its support for the people impacted by fire so that we ensure there is a coordinated approach, and that no gaps appear.
"For the owners of the two properties destroyed there needs to be more than crowd-funding - there needs to be proper government engagement to ensure their needs are met.
"And for those who have suffered serious property damage, there also needs to be an easy way to seek advice and support from the myriad of State Government agencies.
"We are also at a stage where people who have self-evacuated to family or friends' homes may well be in need of additional support or advice.
"I'd like to thank all the people who have made contact to highlight where there are shortfalls and gaps during this time of emergency, because it has meant I have been able to address those issues with the relevant organisation."
Ms Templeman has visited Hawkesbury Rural Fire Service Control Centre at Wilberforce every day, and Hawkesbury Mayor Barry Calvert also paid a visit for an update.
"We talked about the work of the fire fighting crews, what's been happening at St Albans and Colo Heights, and what is planned for the days ahead," Cr Calvert said.
"I took the opportunity to thank our Rural Fire Service personnel, volunteers and staff for their amazing efforts and their ability to work day and night to keep our community safe.
"I know I echo the sentiments of our whole Hawkesbury community when I express my deep sadness at the fire emergencies that are still unfolding in the NSW and Queensland bushfires, and now Western Australia.
"Hawkesbury City Council is doing everything possible to support the NSW Rural Fire Service, the NSW Police Force and all emergency services during this time.
"I would like to thank our community members for listening to the Rural Fire Service and to remind everyone that we need to continue to do so. Keep up to date with what is happening around you. Use the Fires Near Me App and check the NSW Rural Fire Service website www.rfs.nsw.gov.au Follow your Bushfire Survival Plan and please remain vigilant."
If you need Disaster Assistance, call the Disaster Welfare Assistance Line on 1800 018 444.
If you need to leave your property due to the threat of bushfires, you can take your animals to the Animal Holding Facility at Hawkesbury Showground, 40 Racecourse Road, Clarendon.
Visit the NSW DPI Animals in emergencies website for advice and information on preparing your animals https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/climate-and-emergencies/emergency/community/before-an-emergency
