Finder makes money from featured partners, but editorial opinions are our own.

Local tradies from bushfire communities to lead rebuild project

Posted:
News

Local tradespeople from communities devastated by bushfires have been reassured that they will be prioritised when it comes to rebuilding their towns.

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg told insurance bosses on Tuesday to give the work to local tradespeople when the providers begin to pay out for rebuilds. "These communities need to rebuild and the more jobs that can be provided locally the better. And the companies gave their guarantee that they will do that."

As it stands, there have been almost 9000 insurance claims related to the bushfires, totalling around $700 million. The average contents claim is around $50,000, while house claims are about $300,000, according to the Insurance Council of Australia executive director Rob Whelan.

The government's $2 billion recovery fund, which will go towards rebuilding local communities more generally, will also go to local tradies when the work begins. It's hoped that providing local tradespeople with rebuilding work will help stimulate the local economy.

National Bushfire Recovery Agency boss Andrew Colvin also vowed to do as much as possible and to listen and travel to the communities affected.

"There are people who may not have lost their home but they don't have a workplace to go to. There are businesses that may still stand but there's no customers because the road is blocked and it could be some time before it's re-established," he told reporters.

Resources for those impacted by the Australian bushfires

Get more from Finder

Ask an Expert

You are about to post a question on finder.com.au:

  • Do not enter personal information (eg. surname, phone number, bank details) as your question will be made public
  • finder.com.au is a financial comparison and information service, not a bank or product provider
  • We cannot provide you with personal advice or recommendations
  • Your answer might already be waiting – check previous questions below to see if yours has already been asked

Finder only provides general advice and factual information, so consider your own circumstances, or seek advice before you decide to act on our content. By submitting a question, you're accepting our Terms of Use, Disclaimer & Privacy Policy and 6. Finder Group Privacy & Cookies Policy.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Go to site