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Rebuilding and repairing

If your home or business premises was destroyed or damaged by bushfire, support and guidance is available. Council recognises the mental, emotional and physical stresses of rebuilding after the bushfires.

Council has a dedicated team of Development Assessment Officers working with residents rebuilding after the bushfires and these Development Applications (DAs) are given priority.

This page covers topics where Council plays a role - such as DAs and vegetation removal.

If you are considering rebuilding after bushfires, refer to our development process page. Please also note items relevant to bushfire-related rebuilds:

  • Outbuildings, garages, carports, cabanas etc, may not require approval.
    Find out more in the State Environmental Planning Policy for exempt development or contact Council to find out if you need approval:
  • If your building plans fit into the complying development category under the State Environmental Planning Policy, any accredited certifier can issue the Complying Development Certificate (CDC). You can find an accredited certifier on the NSW Government's Fair Trading website.
  • If we have a record of your development consent and you only want to reconstruct what has been destroyed, you may only need a Construction Certificate (CC) to start rebuilding. This only applies to development consents after 2006. Consents issued before 2006 may need a modified development consent to include a condition requiring compliance with the NSW Rural Fire Services Planning for Bushfire Protection.
  • Landowners seeking to build something different to what has been destroyed, or where there are no records, will need to lodge a Development Application (DA).
    • You will need to have the plans revised, or a new design developed, to show your BASIX commitments, bushfire construction requirements, and any changes you'd like to make to the design.
    • Find out more about lodging a DA
    • Contact Council's Development Help Desk for assistance:
  • Whether you need a DA and/or CC, you will still require an up-to-date bushfire assessment and Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) assessment. As part of your rebuild process, you'll need to confirm your BAL in a written report.
  • The NSW Rural Fire Service will issue Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) Certificates to all property owners affected by the 2019/2020 bushfires. If you would like to apply for a certificate, please email the RFS:

The NSW Government made changes to planning rules to make it easier for people to rebuild after bushfires.

People impacted by bushfire can:

Temporary rules for building works

Amendments to the State Environmental Planning Policy (Exempt and Complying Development Codes) 2008 (Codes SEPP) allow a range of low impact works to be carried out as exempt development.

For more information on works that you can carry out without Council approval, contact the Bushfire Response Advice Line:

Temporary accommodation

The Local Government (Manufactured Home Estates, Caravan Parks, Camping Grounds and Moveable Dwellings) Regulation 2021 (Local Government Regulation) provides options to help people who need emergency accommodation because of bushfires.

The Bushfire Housing Assistance Service provides help with:

  • emergency temporary accommodation
  • a private rental bond and advance rent costs
  • finding accommodation options from the private rental and short-term housing sector
  • finding accommodation options in your local communities or areas where you have family or local networks.

To access the service phone the Disaster Welfare Assistance Line on 1800 018 444, or visit the Department of Communities and Justice Housing website and enter your postcode, suburb or town in the search bar to find your nearest housing office.

The NSW Disaster Recovery Facebook page also provides updates and important information for communities in recovery.

  • BASIX and Planning Reform fees: The NSW Government will waive or refund all BASIX Certificate and Planning Reform fees on Development Applications related to homes damaged or destroyed in the 2019/20 bushfires.
  • Affected property owners can contact the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure to arrange a BASIX Certificate:
    • T: 1300 054 464

Ecological reports provide information about flora and fauna habitat values on a property. They also include details about the potential impacts from an activity such as land development and are often submitted with a Development Application. Ecological reports can include:

  • Flora and Fauna Assessment Reports
  • Ecological Assessment Reports
  • Flora and Fauna Impact Assessments
  • Biodiversity Assessment Reports
  • Test of Significance.

Council cannot guarantee the suitability of any individual environmental consultant to your unique circumstance.

Here you'll find a list of known consultants by local government area so you can find a consultant with qualifications relevant to your proposal:

Eurobodalla Shire

Shoalhaven Shire

Bega Valley Shire

Water and sewer connections

Council’s water and sewer service lines into properties destroyed by bushfire have been temporarily disconnected to prevent leaks and to ensure the infrastructure is not damaged during the clean-up phase. When property owners are ready to rebuild, contact Council to arrange reconnection.

Damaged on-site sewage management systems (OSSM)

  • Depending on the extent of damage to your system, it may not suitable for use until it is repaired or replaced.
  • Damaged systems should be inspected by a licensed plumber or authorised technician to determine the extent of damage.
  • Water use should be reduced until the system is inspected and repaired.
  • If the tank(s) present a trip or fall hazard, ensure the area around the tank is made safe, eg, cover the tank and use a temporary fence.
  • If you are replacing the system in line with the existing approval, you won't need to submit an application. The work must be done by a suitably qualified person. Before you start works, submit a Notice of Works to Council, and a Works as Executed Plan when works are complete.
  • If you wish to modify the type or location of the system, contact Council. Any modifications will be dealt with on a case by case basis.
  • Find out more:

Water supply and tanks

  • Ash is unlikely to be a health risk but may affect the appearance and taste of water.
  • Residents concerned with the taste, look or smell of their tank water should use an alternative safe water supply, such as bottled water, for drinking, preparing food, cleaning teeth or watering animals.
  • If your water supply has been contaminated by fire retardant, extra precautions are required, please read NSW Health advice about fire retardants and private water supplies.
  • There is no compensation for voluntary use of water to wet buildings or grounds during a bushfire.
  • For residents not connected to the water supply AND where RFS have taken water or contaminated roofs with fire retardant, contact Disaster Welfare Assistance:
    • T: 1800 018 444
  • Council’s water and sewer service lines into properties destroyed by bushfire have been temporarily disconnected to prevent leaks and to ensure the infrastructure is not damaged during the clean-up phase. When property owners are ready to rebuild, contact Council to arrange reconnection.

Water carriers

For residents not connected to Council’s water supply can contact a water carrier for water supply, or a plumber for tank cleaning services.

Here are known water carriers that service the Eurobodalla Shire. Council acknowledges this is not a comprehensive list and residents should do their own research:

  • Shoalhaven Excavations: Ulladulla, 4423 2824
  • Emery Excavations: South Durras, 0458 206 542
  • Eurocoast Water: North Batemans Bay, 0427 712 283
  • Brett O'Mealey: Nelligen, 0438 864 909
  • Eurobodalla Tipper & Tanker Hire: Batemans Bay, 0411 044 276
  • Batemans Bay Excavations: Batemans Bay, 0408 948 251
  • Greenlands Garden Centre: Moruya, 0429 440 925
  • Purely Water: Moruya, 0458 937 085
  • Moruya H2O: Moruya, 0427 745 133
  • Tilba Tipper & Water Hire: Narooma, 0448 737 344
  • Narooma Water Cartage: Central Tilba, 0409 916 615
  • Welsh's Tipper & Water Hire: Cobargo, 0408 167 172
  • RD Miller: Bega, 6492 7333

Removing trees on private land

Trees on private urban land that are considered to be an imminent risk to life or property do not require Council approval to be removed.

Urban land consists of zones C4, R5, R2, R3, B1, B2, B4, B5 and RU5. All other zones are considered rural. You can use the NSW Planning Portal to confirm your property's zoning.

  • If the tree is considered to be an imminent risk, the owner should contact the SES or an arborist to have the tree removed.
  • Property owners should take a photo of the tree smouldering/leaning over the dwelling and email it to Council as a record:
  • If the owner does not consider the tree an imminent risk to life or property, the standard tree removal application process applies. For more information, contact the Development Help Desk:
  • Elderly or disabled residents in fire prone areas can access the NSW Rural Fire Service AIDER Program, a one-off service to reduce bushfire hazards on currently unaffected properties.

Removing trees on rural land

For removal of vegetation on rural land (zones RU1 and RU4), contact Local Land Service on 6491 7800.

NSW RFS 10/50 Code

Another avenue for exemption from approval to remove a tree is the NSW Rural Fire Service 10/50 Code. Please check the RFS website to ensure that your property is eligible:

Report hazardous trees on Council-managed land

Please contact us to report trees on Council-managed land for hazard assessment:

  • T: 4474 1000 (you will be transferred to the Moruya Depot to make a Customer Service Request).
  • E: council@esc.nsw.gov.au

    • Removing trees on private land

    Trees on private urban land that are considered to be an imminent risk to life or property do not require Council approval to be removed.

    Urban land consists of zones C4, R5, R2, R3, B1, B2, B4, B5 and RU5. All other zones are considered rural. You can use the NSW Planning Portal to confirm your property's zoning.

    • If the tree is considered to be an imminent risk, the owner should contact the SES or an arborist to have the tree removed.
    • Property owners should take a photo of the tree smouldering/leaning over the dwelling and email it to Council as a record:
    • If the owner does not consider the tree an imminent risk to life or property, the standard tree removal application process applies. For more information, contact the Development Help Desk:
    • Elderly or disabled residents in fire prone areas can access the NSW Rural Fire Service AIDER Program, a one-off service to reduce bushfire hazards on currently unaffected properties.

    Removing trees on rural land

    For removal of vegetation on rural land (zones RU1 and RU4), contact Local Land Service on 6491 7800.

    NSW RFS 10/50 Code

    Another avenue for exemption from approval to remove a tree is the NSW Rural Fire Service 10/50 Code. Please check the RFS website to ensure that your property is eligible:

    Report hazardous trees on Council-managed land

    Please contact us to report trees on Council-managed land for hazard assessment:

    • T: 4474 1000 (you will be transferred to the Moruya Depot to make a Customer Service Request).
    • E: council@esc.nsw.gov.au

The NSW Government committed $42 million to help bushfire-affected landholders with the cost of rebuilding boundary fences adjoining public lands after the 2019/20 bushfires.

Through the program, 3,473 applications from landholders were funded, with 5,700 km of fencing bordering public lands re-constructed.

The program was completed in May 2023.

Public health fact sheets

More information

Contact us

For more information and assistance with rebuilding, contact Council's Development Help Desk:

  • T: 02 4474 1231
  • E: Council's Development Help Desk
  • visit our customer service centre at the corner of Vulcan Street and Campbell Street, Moruya, Monday to Friday between 8.30am and 4.30pm.