News & Insights

From the 18-19 of March 2018, a bushfire on the southern NSW coast ravaged up to an estimated 1,000 hectares of residential areas, farmland and forest reserves on the southern NSW coast. The greatest impact was felt in Tathra, where it destroyed 69 houses and damaged many more.

The NSW Premier, Gladys Berejiklian and Member for Bega, Andrew Constance announced that funds were available to remove asbestos-contaminated material and help residents clean up their properties. Clean-up operations are being coordinated by NSW Public Works in conjunction with insurers and the Bega Valley Shire Council.

Greencap’s ACT office was contacted on 19 March to conduct inspections. Personnel from Canberra and Wollongong were mobilised the next morning to set up an on-site asbestos identification lab and asbestos fibre air-monitoring lab.

Within eight days, Greencap teams inspected 63 properties and submitted reports for each.

Having witnessed the devastation firsthand, Greencap extends sympathies and best wishes to all those affected by the disaster, and commends the generosity and support that donors and neighbouring residents have been providing in the aftermath.

Twisted metal and ruins of a destroyed building

Substantial damage to a commercial property

Emergency vehicles on site in Tathra

Melted remnants of a holiday van

Ruins of a holiday van

Melted and damaged boats

A melted water tank

A warped shed