Last Saturday we went out past Narbethong to help a woman do more clean up after the Black Saturday bush fires. Habitat for Humanity organised the day. We cut down a hazelnut orchard that the fires had killed, and cut into firewood a large gum that had also been killed. 40 people came out, all to help one person deal with the aftermath of disaster.
It is now 2 and a half years since the bush fires, but Pam still has some time to pass before she can rebuild her house. Standing in the setting sun brought on stories of recovery, and how it was not going well. It appears that for many, things do not go well. It sounds like the risk adverse bureaucracies plan to avoid future disasters by depopulating the area. They make the permits necessary for rebuilding so difficult to get that many just give up and move on.
Comments