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The Kings Highway is set to reopen in the coming week and many areas down the coast, from Batemans Bay to Eden, have been declared safe for tourists to visit by the Rural Fire Service.
Weather conditions are providing a reprieve for firefighters and communities over the next seven days. The Rural Fire Service said while there is still "significant amounts of fire across the area", the risk has eased.
Eurobodalla and Bega emergency operations controllers and the Rural Fire Service incident controller are encouraging visitors to return to "help the communities get back on their feet".
An assessment of the coast by NSW Police, the NSW Rural Fire Service, Transport for NSW and local councils found that areas not directly impacted by bushfires were in a position to reopen.
"People who wish to travel to these areas are encouraged to contact their destination operators or accommodation providers to ensure they are operating before they set out," a NSW Police statement said.
NSW Police local emergency controller Inspector Dave Cockram said motorists are reminded that some roads remain closed and only accessible to local residents.
"Visitors are urged to observe road closures and respect the privacy of residents who have lost homes by avoiding fire-affected areas," Inspector Cockram said.
"There are numerous coastal villages ready and waiting to welcome visitors."
The main thoroughfare for Canberrans to reach Batemans Bay and beyond is also expected to reopen, with an official announcement to be made on Monday.
Transport for NSW acting director of operations Chris Goodall in conjunction with southern region director Sam Knight said on Saturday they anticipate the Kings Highway will reopen next week, with the aim for that to occur on Wednesday.
Visitors to the coast were reminded to monitor Fires Near Me and Live Traffic NSW for the latest information on fire activity and road closures.
In a statement from the NSW Rural Fire Service, they said emergency services and infrastructure services had been working hard to get to this point. "If you are visiting the area, enjoy your stay. This is and remains a beautiful area of NSW," the service said on Facebook.
National Parks remain closed until February 1.
THE FIRES' IMPACT:
- The Clyde Mountain fire has burnt 83,000 hectares in the Eurobodalla
- The Badja Forest fire has burnt 237,000 hectares across the Bega Valley, Snowy Monaro and Eurobodalla
- The Werri Berri fire near Bega burnt 21,200 hectares
- The Border Fire south of Eden reached 158,000 hectares in size
Kimberley Le Lievre
Passionate about sharing people's stories. Email me at kimberley.lelievre@canberratimes.com.au
Passionate about sharing people's stories. Email me at kimberley.lelievre@canberratimes.com.au
