Recovery efforts are now underway at Dolphin Sands on Tasmania’s east coast after a devastating bushfire destroyed at least 19 properties.
Federal Emergency Management Minister Kristy McBain visited Dolphin Sands on Tuesday alongside the state government to meet with affected residents and announce disaster recovery funding.
“This is not the first fire that’s come through this particular area and it is not something that they were not prepared for,” McBain said.
“But it does show how quickly fires can move and the impacts that it can have on people.”
She confirmed the federal government has activated disaster recovery funding arrangements with the Tasmanian Government, including personal hardship payments and various grants for affected residents.
Deputy Premier Guy Barnett said nearly $120,000 in emergency assistance grants had already been distributed as of Tuesday.
“The community has been doing it tough, it’s been very difficult conditions,” Barnett said.
He thanked emergency services personnel and volunteers for their response, describing it as a “team Tasmania approach” involving police, fire, SES, Parks and Wildlife, and Sustainable Timber Tasmania.
Federal funding will support debris removal and asbestos cleanup, with assessments already begun and work continuing into the new year.
The Tasmania Fire Service on Monday revealed the Dolphin Sands bushfire was caused by a landowner who failed to properly extinguish their registered burn.
TFS Commissioner Jeremy Smith said authorities are investigating what consequences may follow for those responsible.
“It’s just a reminder for everyone, if they’re using fire, use it safely, make sure it’s properly extinguished and continue to check that site,” he said.
The commissioner said approximately 50% of previous fires in Dolphin Sands have been caused by an ignition source like escaped burn-offs, with others being from mechanical or electrical sources.
He said fire services are considering community requests for a total fire ban during high-risk periods in the area, which has experienced repeated fires over several years.
“If the community would like that type of restriction in place for a period of time, we certainly would look at that as a suitable outcome,” Smith said.
Assistant Minister Rebecca White said residents remain “very wobbly” following the fires.
“People are feeling a little bit anxious every time they might see a bit of smoke in the air or when they smell smoke,” she said.
She urged affected residents to access available counselling support, saying recovery can take weeks, months or even years.
Recovery centres have been established at the Swansea courthouse and through the Break O’Day Council to assist affected residents with applications and information.
Fire permits became mandatory across Tasmania from Tuesday for anyone lighting fires.
