Local bushfire recovery continues in the Hawkesbury with bushfire recovery contractor Laing O'Rourke conducting assessments of local fire-affected properties.
Clean ups have now been completed for the majority of eligible properties.
Laing O'Rourke has now moved out of the area but will be returning to finalise any remaining work required at a date to be advised.
Council can commence follow up inspections to assess if any further tree removal that was outside the scope of Laing O'Rourke needs to be undertaken.
Council is continuing to assist property owners with the clearing of hazardous trees on bushfire affected sites. Over 50 tree inspections have been undertaken on properties in Bilpin, Colo Heights and St Albans.
Trees have now been removed on over 40 bushfire-affected properties.
Work is also progressing with the clean up of orchards in Bilpin, which is funded by the Department of Primary Industries.
Council has received an enquiry for rebuilding a Youth Camp in Colo Heights and another to rebuild an orchard in Bilpin to help their businesses recommence operations following the bushfires.
Council is working with these business owners to provide them with planning advice on relevant documentation to accompany a Development Application.
Council has started working collaboratively with the Salvation Army to explore opportunities to assist the bushfire-affected communities.
Council is also working with Hawkesbury Landcare Network to provide support to bushfire-affected properties to provide advice on post-fire land management and conservation.
They will be visiting properties, running workshops on topics of interest and building networks for long-term wildlife recovery and bushland management.
If you are interested in participating, contact Katherine Clare at Hawkesbury Landcare Network on 4574 9601 to register for a site inspection to assess your eligibility.