Bushfire Recovery Co-ordinator Michael Stevens, left, and recovery taskforce chairman Damian Bugg, QC, outside the Executive Building in Hobart today. Picture: MATT THOMPSON
THE head of the Tasmanian Bushfire Recovery Taskforce says it could take years for devastated communities to be rebuilt.
Fires described as the worst in almost half a century have ripped through more than 110,000ha of bush and farm land across the island state, with more than 130 homes destroyed.
The town of Dunalley, east of Hobart, has been the hardest hit, with more than half the town's buildings and a local primary school lost.
Bushfires Recovery Taskforce chairman Damian Bugg, QC, said the state was now in recovery mode, barring any new flare-ups or emergencies.
"The end point is the re-establishment of these communities to the point that we're all happy," he told ABC Radio today.
Rebuilding communities could take up to two years, he said.
The Tasmanian Government will absorb most of the cost of the clean-up, with contractors expected to start clearing damaged properties before the end of the week.
Volunteers and businesses had overwhelmed the taskforce with offers of help, Mr Bugg said.
The taskforce would open offices in Sorell and send people to the fire-affected towns of Dunalley, Murdunna and Nubeena.
"From today, barring further flare-ups and emergencies, we have moved to the recovery phase with responsibility for co-ordination of the government response," Mr Bugg said in a statement.
"We want to move quickly to help those people who need it, but I want to stress that this is a long-term job and the health and safety of residents, workers and volunteers is paramount, so we urge people to be patient."
"No demolition or removal of material will be carried out without the consent of property owners.
"However it is important to understand that once (contractor) Hazell Bros begins work on a property, the owners will not be permitted on site because of the risks of injury from heavy equipment or hazardous material."
People can register their property for clean-up and request a consent form by contacting the Bushfires Recovery Taskforce on 1800 567 567 or clicking here.
Four major bushfires continue to burn out of control, including a huge blaze in the South-West World Heritage Area, which has consumed more than 49,000ha.
There are several advice notices in place for residents but no emergency warnings.
The major thoroughfare to the Tasman Peninsula, the Arthur Highway, was reopened yesterday.
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