Authorities in New South Wales have raised urgent concerns that devastating bushfires could spread further, after infernos ripped through the Central Coast and Hunter regions, destroying at least 16 homes.
State of Emergency as Blazes Rage
The crisis unfolded on Saturday as temperatures soared past 40°C, creating extreme fire danger. The NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) confirmed 76 fires were burning across the state, with 20 remaining uncontained. Emergency warnings were issued for multiple communities, prompting a massive firefighting response.
More than 1,200 firefighters were deployed on the ground, supported by water-bombing aircraft. Despite a slight easing of heat on Sunday, officials warned the situation was still developing, with strong winds and potential thunderstorms posing a continued threat.
Homes Lost and Communities Devastated
The ferocious bushfires have already wrought significant destruction. Twelve homes were confirmed lost in the Koolewong area on the Central Coast, with footage showing large properties engulfed in flames. It is understood a further four properties were impacted at Bulahdelah, north of Newcastle, though full damage assessments are pending.
Federal MP for the region, Gordon Reid, described the scene as devastating, stating, "That's people's lives, that's people's livelihoods." An evacuation centre was established at the Gosford RSL Club for displaced residents.
Disaster Declaration and Recovery Funding
In response to the escalating crisis, the NSW Government has declared a Natural Disaster across six local government areas. The declarations cover Central Coast, Mid Coast, Upper Hunter, Muswellbrook, Warrumbungle and Dubbo.
This action unlocks urgent Commonwealth–State Disaster Recovery Funding (DRFA), providing a lifeline for affected residents and businesses. Support includes:
- Emergency accommodation and essential items for those with damaged homes.
- Grants for low-income, uninsured households to replace essentials and make repairs.
- Concessional loans of up to $130,000 for small businesses and primary producers.
- Freight subsidies for farmers moving livestock and fodder.
Ongoing Threats and Nationwide Alert
RFS Deputy Commissioner Ben Millington highlighted the key danger as shifting winds, which could push fires in a new direction. "There's a potential for the fire to travel to the north," he warned, noting crews were positioned to protect homes.
The fires also caused major transport disruption, with trains halted between Gosford and the Hawkesbury River. A total fire ban remains in place for Sydney and central NSW.
The emergency in NSW follows a severe bushfire in Tasmania's Dolphin Sands just a day earlier, which damaged over a dozen structures and injured two firefighters. While cooler weather brought respite to Tasmania, the Bureau of Meteorology warned that heat is expected to build again across northern Australia and Western Australia early next week, continuing a dangerous national cycle.
NSW Premier Chris Minns urged all residents to heed official advice from the RFS and police, emphasising the confronting nature of the disaster for the Central Coast community.
