Yorketown Fire

The Hon. J.S. LEE (14:34): My question is to the Minister for Human Services about the government's response to the Yorketown fire. Can the minister please provide an update to the council about the emergency government grants available to those who have been affected by last week's devastating fire?

The Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK (Minister for Human Services) (14:35): I thank the honourable member for her question. All of South Australia stands with the communities on the Yorke Peninsula, particularly those who were affected by the devastating fires at the southern end of the Yorke Peninsula last Wednesday 20 November.

The Yorketown fire, as it has come to be known, has caused widespread damage to residences, cropping land and livestock between Yorketown and Edithburgh. Approximately 5,531 hectares of the Yorke Peninsula Council area was burnt, together with the destruction of 11 residences, with further damage to 24 buildings, sheds, vehicles and farm machinery units. I am very pleased, of course, that no lives were lost, and we thank the CFS, as has been pre-empted by the Hon. Ms Bourke's motion.

A number of agencies are involved in the recovery efforts, which commenced soon after the fire. Indeed, a recovery office was set up at Stansbury, which has been manned by housing personnel. We have been able to provide support via emergency grants to individuals who have been affected by the fires, either through having lost their homes or having their homes inaccessible, through a grant of up to $700 per family. In addition, the commonwealth government has provided its own assistance of up to $1,000 per adult and $400 per child, and those people who have lost employment through the tragedy are potentially eligible for a disaster recovery allowance.

A community meeting was held yesterday at the Yorketown RSL. The member for Narungga attended. I have also spoken to the federal member for Grey, Mr Rowan Ramsey, who has attended the site, as well as the Premier, who I think was there the day after the fires. We have also appointed a local recovery coordinator, Ms Debbie Richardson. That took place in cabinet yesterday. Ms Richardson has experience through the Pinery bushfires in terms of assisting people on the ground, so she will be available. She has a great deal of experience in this area to assist people with a range of issues. Our support is ongoing to the local community and we stand with them through this difficult time.