In response to severe bushfire activity, natural disaster declarations have been issued across six local government areas in New South Wales, granting access to federal and state aid. These areas include Central Coast, Mid Coast, Upper Hunter, Dubbo, Muswellbrook, and Warrumbungle.

As of Sunday morning, approximately 76 bush and grass fires continued to rage in New South Wales, following a period of extreme heat. Further north, in Bulahdelah on the Mid North Coast, four additional homes have been destroyed by the fires.

Authorities are urging residents to have a bushfire preparedness plan. “Be ready to evacuate at a moment’s notice,” they caution, emphasizing the importance of readiness in these unpredictable conditions.

“Have a bushfire preparedness plan in place and be ready to leave, maybe even at the drop of a hat.”

Seventy-six fires were still burning across NSW on Sunday morning. Source: AAP / Dan Himbrechts

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he expected NSW to face “quite a difficult” fire season this summer, as destructive bushfires continue to burn across the state.

“Houses [were] lost yesterday. Fortunately, [there was] no loss of life — that is always the priority.”

What disaster declarations mean

Residents, businesses, primary producers and councils can access:

• Personal hardship and distress assistance, including emergency accommodation and cash payments.
• Recovery loans and concessional loans for small businesses and primary producers.
• Counter-disaster operation support.
• Community recovery funds.
• Cleanup and recovery grants.

Hardship grants will also be available for people who have lost their homes.

“To the people who are today in shock and distress, I [send my] sympathy to them, and just give assurance that we will do everything we can to support them,” she said.

Ongoing problems with disaster payments

Earlier this year, some communities also struggled to access adequate support off the back of Cyclone Alfred.