AFTER being on high alert from the bushfires, roads have finally re-opened between Tharwa and Canberra and the village is now calling for community support.
Canberra Emergency Services Minister Mick Gentleman is also encouraging Canberrans to visit Tharwa this weekend and dig deep to help boost the town’s economy.
Mr Gentleman says they’re also looking into major post-fire recovery efforts.
“The fire has burned extensive areas of Namadgi National Park and other areas with natural, cultural and environmental values,” Minister Gentleman says.
“Forecasted rain over the weekend has enabled work to begin on the fireground to identify rehabilitation requirements.
“We’ve formed a specialist rapid risk assessment team to assess fire impacts on threatened species, habitat, water quality and threats from debris flow when rain comes.
“Teams will also identify risks of soil erosion caused by grass and vegetation loss and provide advice on how this may be addressed.”
The Orroral Valley fire, which is now about 85,500ha in size, continues to burn out of control.
ACT ESA says backburning will continue today (February 7) in the Gibraltar Peak area, and smoke from these operations will be visible from southern suburbs of Canberra.
The fire alert level remains at “advise”.
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