In the eight months since bushfires finished destroying and damaging buildings 24 development applications (DA) for rebuilding have been approved.

The taskforce was established after the bushfires to provide proactive assistance and advice for property owners impacted by the 2019 event.

Liveable communities director, Paul De Szell said key staff were redeployed to concentrate on helping affected residents during both the clean-up and rebuilding phases.

"This approach provides a single point of contact for property owners and State agencies, streamlining the recovery process," Mr De Szell said.

The taskforce proactively contacted residents soon after the fires, giving owners the opportunity to turn their attention and focus, in a positive way, on the redesign and rebuilding options for their property, while the clean-up process is being planned and undertaken, he said

"This contact supported the early lodgement of development applications for rebuilds.

"The taskforce's approach has achieved an accelerated application determination time, with applications approved in an average determination time of 14.2 days."

A report presented to this week's July monthly ordinary meeting on the work of the bushfire recovery taskforce also outlined council's assistance establishing temporary on-site accommodation 'pods' for those affected by the fires.

The Minderoo Foundation and the NSW Government have funded the provision of temporary accommodation buildings, known as pods, for bushfire affected families and individuals.

The pods are fully self-contained, with toilet, shower, a small kitchen, power supply and a water tank.

A total of 12 Minderoo Recovery Pods have been, or are being delivered to properties within the Mid Coast local government area (LGA).

The pods are allocated by the NSW Disaster Recovery Office and Department of Communities and Justice, to provide temporary accommodation for property owners who lost their home in the 2019 bushfire.

Council's role is to ensure that suitable arrangements are in place for the safe disposal of effluent for the duration of the occupation of the pods.

The Bushfire Recovery Taskforce team continues to support owners when they are ready to clean up and rebuild property, and can be contacted by calling 7955 7777.

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