Mathias Cormann (WA, Liberal Party, Vice-President of the Executive Council) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator McGrath for that question. Southern Queensland and north-east New South Wales have experienced unprecedented fires since Friday. It is only September, and every indication is that a hot, dry summer is ahead.

There are over 100 fires burning in Queensland and New South Wales, with 51 active fires in New South Wales. However, those fires that were of great concern over Friday and Saturday—the fires at Tenterfield in New South Wales and at Stanthorpe, Applethorpe and Sarabah in Queensland—no longer threaten lives and property. However, the forecast of dry and windy conditions until Tuesday and no sign of rain means the fire situation remains volatile. The fire danger ratings are very high for north-east New South Wales and South-East Queensland. Fortunately, no lives were lost, although a New South Wales Rural Fire Service volunteer firefighter was, sadly, seriously injured while fighting a fire near Tenterfield. Our thoughts are with the volunteer and their family.

In terms of property, five houses were destroyed, another five were damaged and 25 non-residential structures have been destroyed in the New South Wales fires. In Queensland 52 houses were damaged, including 15 houses that were completely destroyed. Fire has also destroyed the historic Binna Burra Lodge in the Gold Coast hinterland, which is part of the Australian World Heritage listed eastern rainforest reserves.

I can report that the Australian Defence Force is providing support from Kokoda Barracks to firefighters in Canungra. In New South Wales and Queensland, we are also providing disaster recovery assistance. In New South Wales, the assistance is being provided under the jointly-funded Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements. It is available for the local government areas of Armidale, Clarence Valley, Glen Innes, Inverell, Tenterfield, Uralla and Walcha.

Anyone in need of assistance should contact the New South Wales government Disaster Welfare Assistance Line on 1800018444. Likewise, in Queensland DRFA assistance is available in the local government areas of Scenic Rim and Southern Downs. The Queensland government Community Recovery Hotline is 1800173349.

I want to thank on behalf of the government—and, I'm sure, the entire Senate—our emergency services and our career and volunteer personnel for all the work that they have done in recent days. You have our gratitude, respect and deep thanks. The best thing anyone can do in these areas and others affected by fires in coming months is to plan to stay aware of your surroundings and follow the advice from local emergency management authorities. Buildings can be rebuilt and vegetation can regrow, but people can't be replaced. It's beholden on all of us to take the necessary precautions and care over the months ahead.