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Laing O’Rourke wins fire recovery contract

Laing O’Rourke has been selected by the NSW Government to undertake the first phase of recovery clean-up works following recent bushfires across the state.

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Laing O’Rourke Australia Managing Director Cathal O’Rourke said the business was honoured to have been chosen for this task and committed to delivering this important work as promptly as possible and with the highest degree of sensitivity and safety for the many communities affected across NSW.

“We will work with local subcontractors and regional small businesses across NSW to ensure they are engaged in the delivery of the clean-up process – providing much needed stimulus to local economies,” Mr O’Rourke said.

“While planning is already underway, we are now asking individuals to register their bushfire-damaged properties through Service NSW or by calling 13 77 88. 

“Over the coming weeks we will have teams located in each of the affected communities to provide local property owners with that important face-to-face contact as we begin to plan the task ahead.”

The Morrison and Berejiklian Governments today announced they will share the costs on a 50:50 basis for the clean-up of residential and commercial properties destroyed by the recent bushfires in NSW.

This follows the successful approach adopted by the Commonwealth and Victorian Governments following the Black Saturday bushfires.

The cost of the NSW clean-up is expected to run into the hundreds of millions of dollars, though a definitive number cannot be settled until the fires have ceased and sites are assessed.

This is an important step to get the clean-up and rebuilding process moving to help people get back on their feet,” Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison says.

“We know many people are still battling these blazes but where the fire-front has passed we’re deploying $2 billion through our National Bushfire Recovery Agency to help people rebuild their homes and communities.”  

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian agrees saying the destruction caused by these fires is unprecedented.

“The process of recovery and rebuilding will take time, but I want people to know, we will be with them every step of the way,” she says.

“Government is picking up the bill for the clean-up, at no cost to owners, so if you’re uninsured, this is one less thing to worry about and if you are insured, it means you will be able to use every dollar of your policy to rebuild.”  

NSW Disaster Recovery minister John Barilaro says the clean-up was a mammoth task but that he was confident the partnership with Laing O’Rourke will see properties cleared and the rebuild begin as soon as possible. 

“With 2,399 homes destroyed and more than 10,000 buildings damaged or destroyed all up, we have a long journey ahead of us,” he says.

“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.

“The contractor will also be working hand in hand with Public Works Advisory to engage local suppliers and subcontractors, to keep local economies ticking over.”

Laing O’Rourke and its employees across the globe will continue to support the Australian Red Cross Bushfire Appeal. 

Photography: Alamy

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