A fire-damaged house on Kalari Way, Stoneville, was demolished last week, with the building reduced to rubble in a matter of minutes.
The demolition works are part of the WA Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangement and are being co-ordinated by Shire of Mundaring.
Shire president Helen Dullard said the works were an important step forward for those affected by the January 12 bushfire, where 57 houses were destroyed and 386ha burnt throughout Parkerville, Stoneville and Mount Helena.
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READ NOW‘Most of the residents have decided to stay and rebuild, so to be able to get on with that is an important step forward,’ she said.
‘I think it opens the door to a new beginning.’
Cr Dullard said the Shire had hired two extra staff to work with the community and was planting more fire resilient plants.
‘Each time you have a fire, thank goodness, the local governments learn from it,’ Cr Dullard said.
‘The preparation people do up here is good and they cannot be criticised for not being prepared that day.’
It is expected that works will take between five and seven days at each property, with the aim to complete all works by the end of May.
‘There may be some areas where traffic management is in place so we ask all motorists to please be aware of workers in the area and follow any signage,’ Cr Dullard said.
‘Once the works are completed, land will seem very sparse for quite a while.’
The Lord Mayor’s Distress Relief Fund is still open for people to donate and help residents with the next stage of the recovery.
As of April 8, a total of $2.57 million had been collected in the fund.
‘To date, a total of 127 applications have been processed by the Shire, with a total of $1.84 million approved and distributed by the fund,’ Cr Dullard said.
‘Another way that the community can help is by visiting the Shire’s website and viewing the items required by fire-affected residents. These range from dog clippers to handbags and bedding.’
If any member of the public, including surrounding residents, has any queries regarding demolition, call 0439 049 659 or email shire@mundaring. wa.gov.au.