Scott Morrison (Cook, Liberal Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Hansard source

I thank the member for New England for his question on this very important issue that is affecting so many Australians at this particular time. I also thank the member for Wright, whom I had the opportunity to speak to on the weekend about how the fires are affecting there, particularly around Binna Burra, which has been terribly traumatic for those who have been directly involved. I also spoke to the minister for water resources and other matters in his electorate in southern Queensland. I thank them for their interest in this and the work they've been doing with their communities to support them at this very, very difficult time.

Southern Queensland and north-eastern 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 a hundred fires burning across Queensland and New South Wales. However, those fires that were of greatest 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, I am pleased to report, on the advice I have. However, the forecast of dry and windy conditions until Tuesday means that the fire situation does remain volatile. Fire danger ratings are 'very high' for north-eastern New South Wales and South-East Queensland.

Fortunately, no lives were lost, though a New South Wales Rural Fire Service volunteer firefighter was seriously injured, and is still in recovery, while fighting a fire near Tenterfield. Our thoughts are with him and his family. In terms of property, five houses were destroyed and another five damaged, and 25 non-residential structures have been destroyed in the New South Wales fires. I spoke to the Premier earlier today again about the response and cooperation being provided. I have also been in contact with the Queensland Premier's office; the Premier is currently travelling. 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. It is part of the Australian World Heritage listed Central Eastern Rainforest Reserves.

I can report the Australian Defence Force is providing support to firefighters at Kokoda Barracks in Canungra. In New South Wales and Queensland we're also providing disaster recovery assistance. In New South Wales the assistance is being provided under jointly funded Commonwealth-state disaster recovery funding arrangements and 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, and the Queensland government Community Recovery Hotline is 1800173349.

See this speech in context