It has been more than six weeks since Gospers Mountain fire came to the Lithgow Local Government area and several families are struggling to navigate the bureaucratic red tape.
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Councillor Cass Coleman recently met with several residents of Hepburn Street in Lithgow and heard first-hand their frustrations about the lack of follow up and the difficulties they are facing to start the recovery process.
Debra Oakley and David O'Brien, gave Cr Coleman an insight, demonstrating how their home is uninhabitable.
The laundry is destroyed, there is no electricity, water or telephone connected, plus the potential for dangerous trees falling on the property is very concerning.
"I was quite shocked at how much damage was caused by the Gospers Mountain fire in Hepburn Street," Cr Coleman said.
"The scarred bushland, the damage to property, is a powerful reminder that the bushfire raced down the mountain into urban Lithgow."
David O'Brien said he appreciated Cr Coleman taking the time to meet with them and to make the necessary phone calls to make sure the rest of Council attended the affected street.
"We are extremely grateful for the generosity of so many people, especially the Salvation Army, St Vinnies and the Lions Club and most importantly the support of our local community," Debra Oakley said.
"However, we did have some difficulties accessing the Red Cross emergency cash grant, and we appreciate the helpful intervention of Andrew Gee, the local Federal Member."
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Cr Coleman said it was disappointing the family couldn't access the funding.
"This is very disappointing, considering that the Red Cross have received more than $95 million in donations to its Disaster Relief and Recovery fund," she said.
"Let's hope that claims for support for families in need across the Local Lithgow government area are processed urgently."
The Red Cross contacted the Lithgow Mercury on Wednesday, January 29 to inform us that the issue had been resolved after a missing form, which wasn't included originally, had now been included in the application.
According to the Red Cross the family received their $10,000 grant on Thursday, January 23.
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