BUILDING: BUSHFIRE BUILDING ADVICE TELEPHONE
BUSHFIRE BUILDING ADVICE TELEPHONE SERVICE LAUNCHED
The Building and Plumbing Industry Commission today launched a telephone advisory service to assist people whose homes have been lost or damaged in the bushfires.
The Bushfire Building Advice line, 1300 360 320, will operate from 8.00 am to 8.00 pm on Monday to Friday.
Building and Plumbing Commissioner, Tony Arnel, said it was important that people in bushfire affected areas had easy access to information and advice about planning and building issues.
"The Bushfire Building Advice telephone service came on line today to assist people wishing to start the rebuilding process," Mr Arnel said. "It will provide an important access point for people who have lost their homes and want to begin the rebuilding process.
"The line will seek to respond to enquiries across all matters relating to rebuilding - from what people need to do to return safely to their properties; what temporary onsite accommodation is acceptable during rebuilding; and the building permits required for the work."
Mr Arnel said that while many people are keen to return to their homes, the Victorian Bushfire Recovery and Reconstruction Authority has advised that is not safe to return to live permanently on your land until the site has been cleaned up.
"The line will provide advice to people affected by the bushfire on what steps can be taken to ensure a safe and permanent return to their properties," he said.
The telephone advisory consultants will seek to answer all queries but where appropriate will direct callers to Building Commission and Plumbing Industry Commission technical staff as well as other services supporting the bushfire response process