AFTER clearing more than 3500 properties in under 200 days - including more than 150 in the Macleay and Nambucca valleys - Laing O'Rourke has begun to hand the role over.
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Direct responsibility for the next stage of the NSW and Federal Government funded bushfire clean-up program will now rest with the Public Works Advisory (PWA), who will continue to lead the next stage of the effort.
"Following our appointment to handle one of the most significant bushfire clean-up projects in Australian history, we undertook the massive task of clearing destroyed homes and damaged properties across the State," Paul Barrie, project director, NSW Bushfire Clean-up at Laing O'Rourke, said.
"After achieving the initial target of 2800 properties by June 30, we were asked to stay on board to continue clearing additional properties that had recently registered for the program.
"We will complete the clean-up of properties that registered before July 27 and Public Works Advisory will complete any new registrations after that date, in addition to completing works at the small number of isolated properties in challenging locations."
In total, in Nambucca and Kempsey, Laing O'Rourke teams have worked with local and regional contractors to clear more than 150 properties.
Mr Barrie said he was immensely proud of the work and care put in by each and every team member working on the project.
"The clean-up program is one of the most unique, fast paced and heartfelt projects I've ever had the privilege to work on," he said.
"From day one, this project has called on us all to apply an extra special level of dedication and effort to help thousands of families across the State take their first and vital step towards rebuilding their homes, recovering from loss and beginning to re-imagine a new life after such tragedy.
"We set ourselves the challenge to think differently, and to work closely with the local supply chain to deliver the clean-up as quickly and safely as possible.
"I'm really impressed at the way our team pulled together in partnership with our local subcontractors to overcome these challenges and deliver for each bushfire impacted community around NSW.
"I would also like to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to all of the families and communities all along the North Coast who have hosted us and allowed us into their homes and businesses at this extraordinary time. We are so grateful for the hospitality we received everywhere we went.
"The local businesses we have worked with in this local area have been fantastic. We've been so proud to partner with businesses like Mitchbrook Management or Lianda Constructions, among many others."
Working with these businesses has meant that the benefit of this job has stayed in the community, providing a much needed boost at this uncertain time.
"While our role on the bushfire clean-up program may be coming to an end, it's very important to stress that the bushfire clean-up does not have an end date, registrations remain open and the clean-up will continue under PWA," Mr Barrie said.
"We urge anyone who was impacted by the bushfires to register by calling Service NSW on 137-788 or visiting https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/register-opt-nsw-bushfire-clean."
All eligible properties that have been inspected will be cleared by Laing O'Rourke, and any future registrations will be managed by the NSW Government's Public Works Advisory.
