A ruined business in Mogo’s Main Street that was destroyed by the fire that swept through the NSW town on New Year's Eve.Credit:Kate Geraghty
The Premier also announced on Thursday she had commissioned anindependent inquiry into NSW's bushfire season,which will be led by former NSW Police deputy commissioner Dave Owens and former NSW chief scientist Mary O'Kane.
Ms Berejiklian defended the decision not to hold public hearings as part of the inquiry,saying bushfire victims would be invited to speak directly with Mr Owens and Ms O'Kane. The inquiry will begin within days and will also take public submissions.
"I have asked them to report back to me within six months. We want it to be timely so that we can ensure if there are any issues we need to deal with,we can deal with those ahead of the next bushfire season,"Ms Berejiklian said.
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The NSW government has appointed construction giant Laing O'Rourke Australia as the lead contractor to undertake the clean-up,with a condition of the contract that they engage local contractors and suppliers in bushfire affected communities.
This is in line with a directiveissued by NSW Finance Minister Damien Tudehope this week,requiring government agencies to give first preference to local operators for all jobs related to bushfire recovery efforts.
Deputy Premier John Barilaro,who was recently appointed the minister responsible for disaster recovery,said Laing O’Rourke would have teams on the ground in bushfire affected communities up and down the state's coast as early as next week.
“Despite the enormity of the job,Laing O’Rourke has indicated the majority of properties will be substantially cleared by mid-year,with a focus on residential properties,"Mr Barilaro said.