Kangaroo Island Community Recovery Plan 2020-2022

Contents

Introduction 2

The bushfire event 4

The recovery effort 6

Purpose 8

Principles 9

Method of implementation 10

Lines of recovery 12

Actions 14

Glossary 23

Prepared by the Local Recovery Team and the Local Recovery Committee in consultation with the Kangaroo island community. Production supported by the Government of . First iteration November 2020

Enquiries to: [email protected]

1 Introduction

Kangaroo Island was Tragically two people lost their lives. The large-scale fires damaged or destroyed severely impacted by homes, businesses, livestock, grazing land, forestry, crops, machinery and infrastructure. bushfires that started on Thousands of head of stock, domestic animals and wildlife were lost, together with a number of 20 December 2019. The fires iconic tourist venues including the vegetation affected approximately and infrastructure of Flinders Chase National Park. The size and scope of the fires mean South 49 per cent of the Island. Australia is yet to fully realise the long-term impacts of the disaster on the Kangaroo Island environment and economy, and on the health and wellbeing of the Island community. The true extent of damage to property is still being measured, but undoubtedly will have significant and ongoing effects.

2 Kangaroo Island COMMUNITY RECOVERY PLAN 2020 At 4,500 square kilometres, Kangaroo Island is The Island is home to a broad range of wildlife Australia’s third largest island. It is located 14 km including the endangered Kangaroo Island off the South Australian coast and is accessible dunnart, kangaroos, tammar wallabies, platypus, by a 45 minute vehicle and passenger ferry koalas, short-beaked echidnas, Australian sea- service from Cape Jervis (approximately 100 km lions, long-nosed fur seals and more than 260 from Adelaide) or a 20 minute flight from Adelaide individual bird species, including the glossy black Airport. The Island has a Mediterranean climate cockatoo. Approximately one third of the Island with warm to hot and dry summers with very low is designated as national or conservation park humidity, and cool to mild winters. to protect its wildlife. Kangaroo Island has a population of about More than 90 per cent of the Island is mallee 4,500 and hosts almost 200,000 visitors each and woodland dominated by eucalyptus, and year. It is home to more than 700 businesses the balance consists of shrub land, fern land across all sectors. Agriculture, forestry and and forest. fisheries are the main registered businesses, making up 44 per cent of all registered businesses. Employment is primarily in the tourism (including hospitality, food, wine, beverage and national parks) and agricultural sectors. In 2018-19 Kangaroo Island parks contributed more than $53 million to South Australia’s economy and supported more than 360 jobs. Flinders Chase National Park attracts more than 120,000 visitors annually.

3 The bushfire event

The 2019-20 summer bushfires on Kangaroo Island were the largest in the Island’s recorded history.

Lightning strikes on 20 December started the trails and picnic areas, together with significant Duncan and Menzies fires; more lightning strikes tourist accommodation infrastructure outside on 30 December started the Ravine fire. the Park. Heritage sites such as lighthouses and cottages were saved at and The Country Fire Service (CFS) declared the . Eleven of the Island’s national parks bushfire zone contained on 21 January and safe were directly affected by the bushfires, resulting on 6 February 2020. Hundreds of firefighters in some closures for human health and safety were involved and supported by other agencies, reasons. Six parks were unaffected and were able private industry and the local community. to continue providing visitors with opportunities The bushfires burned 211,474 of the Island’s to experience the Island’s nature and heritage. 440,500 hectares. Of the burned land, 113,046 Fire plays an important role in the ecology hectares had been used for primary production. of the environment; it triggers some natural As key drivers of the Kangaroo Island economy, processes such as seed germination. Although the agriculture and food production industries the vegetation has burnt, it is not lost, and most are closely linked to the environment and are has begun to grow since the bushfire although extremely exposed to economic disruption it remains fragile. Many native plant species are such as that brought on by the bushfires. adapted to survive, regenerate and thrive after The western end of the Island, home to the fire. New shoots are already visible on eucalyptus internationally renowned Flinders Chase National trees and other vegetation across Flinders Chase Park, was heavily affected by the bushfires, with National Park. Burnt trees that are still standing 96 per cent of Flinders Chase and the adjoining can be havens for insects that feed birds and small Ravine des Casoars Wilderness Protection area mammals. These trees help protect recovering burnt. Much of the infrastructure in Flinders vegetation and stabilise soil against erosion. Chase National Park and surrounding areas was Fallen burnt trees provide new homes for smaller destroyed, including the Rocky River visitor centre, animals, especially reptiles. heritage cottages, campgrounds, toilets, walking

The Dunnart, native to Kangaroo Island

4 Kangaroo Island COMMUNITY RECOVERY PLAN 2020 Kangaroo Island Known fire damage at 14 September 2020

211,474 113,046 631 119 332 Hectares burnt Hectares of primary Kilometres Houses destroyed Sheds or outbuildings production fire perimeter or significantly destroyed or area burned damaged significantly damaged

322 59,730 15,000 5,500 2 Vehicles or machinery Head of Hectares of forest Kilometres of Community centres/ destroyed or stock lost plantation burned estimated fencing halls destroyed significantly damaged destroyed

Stokes Bay

Parndana

Flinders Vivonne Bay Chase NP

The bushfires burned 211,474 of the Island’s 440,500 hectares. Map courtesy Department for Environment and Water

5 The recovery effort

Kangaroo Island is now in recovery

A Local Recovery Coordinator was appointed This engagement and focus on recovery planning on 13 January 2020. The Coordinator listens to aims to achieve a sense of community ownership the community to understand their needs and of this plan. Ongoing engagement with local brings government and other support agencies communities, associations and interest groups together to deliver necessary recovery services. will support the recovery journey. The Local Recovery Coordinator is supported by The impact of COVID-19 on recovery through a Community Development Officer and was also 2020 cannot be ignored. Movement and social supported by a Communications Officer until distancing restrictions affected recovery efforts. 30 June 2020. The community and local recovery teams met Recovery meetings with government virtually and continued recovery planning agency representatives commenced in early measures. In conjunction with federal, state January 2020. and local governments, private contractors and businesses, some recovery activities continued. A Local Recovery Committee was established and The clearance of waste from more than 200 held its first meeting on 13 February 2020. properties damaged by the bushfires was Five community reference groups, reporting to completed. The provision of modular housing the Committee, were formed in February 2020 to pods for 40 residents who lost their primary address recovery priorities relating to: residences was approved, and delivery completed on 30 July 2020. Health and wellbeing programs • infrastructure, housing, water, power and roads and training were rolled out, and community • social, wellbeing and health consultation for the development of this recovery • primary production plan will continue. • the economy, including tourism and business The recovery team is heartened by the incredible • the natural environment. resilience, strength and spirit of the communities impacted by the fires and recognises the potential for these communities to thrive in the wake of the fires.

By its very nature, the Kangaroo Island community is strongly connected to the Island’s environment and has a great understanding of its importance. It also understands that fire is a given risk, and collectively has decades of knowledge of and experience in managing this ever-present threat. The extraordinary 2020 fire event challenged that knowledge and there is a need for ongoing community engagement to capture and record local knowledge gained during the summer for future preparation and preparedness.

6 Kangaroo Island COMMUNITY RECOVERY PLAN 2020 Glossy black-cockatoos lost more than half their feeding habitat in the fires

7 Purpose

This plan analyses the impact of the bushfire disaster, outlines initiated recovery actions, and identifies how a well-planned and coordinated approach will help the Kangaroo Island community recover, rebuild, grow and thrive.

It aims to guide coordinated and integrated activities to support the medium to long-term social, economic and environmental recovery of Kangaroo Island and establish an outcome focus for recovery activities.

8 Kangaroo Island COMMUNITY RECOVERY PLAN 2020 Principles

Community-led and collaborative

Genuine community engagement to maximise participation and successful outcomes

Evidence-based approaches that are reflective, are based on a continuous improvement approach, and that involve the local community in adapting what is known to work elsewhere to local conditions and priorities

Local knowledge is valued to inform decision making at the local level

Government will help ensure appropriate actions are instigated if the community deems changes are necessary

A culture of dignity, equality, courtesy and compassion underpins the approach and actions

9 Method of implementation

This plan is designed to be flexible and dynamic, so it can adapt to changing circumstances and reflect changing community needs.

It will be delivered according to five lines of Funding for projects is expected from a range recovery that address the actions needed to of sources including federal, state and local recover quickly and result in stronger, more resilient governments; state agencies; private charities and communities. It focuses on the health and wellbeing not-for-profit organisations; and private investment of people, repair of property, and restoration of the and philanthropists. Importantly, this plan is a environment and of the economy, including tourism locally-led approach that builds from the range and primary production. of support initiatives being implemented by local, state and federal governments; the community; The plan identifies actions and opportunities and non-government organisations. that form a framework for intervention to ensure recovery is timely and effective.

Community members and service representatives at a community meeting on Kangaroo Island

10 Kangaroo Island COMMUNITY RECOVERY PLAN 2020 11 Lines of Recovery

The plan will leverage the work of the recovery community reference groups. The reference groups provided vital early community engagement opportunities and identified five areas of focus for the recovery effort.

Infrastructure, housing, Social, health Primary production water, power and roads and wellbeing Kangaroo Island’s primary Critical infrastructure – including Timely action on health and production sector is a key roads, telecommunications, wellbeing has been logistically component of South Australia’s water and sewer – was placed challenging but essential agriculture, food, wine and under significant strain during the for affected communities. forestry industries. Local bushfires. Essential services Particularly in small rural businesses (agricultural and were restored to communities communities, there is a non-agricultural) need the soon after the fires, however possibility that residents may skills, knowledge and resources further support is required to choose not to rebuild but to required to continue recovering connect services to replacement relocate. The mental health of from the bushfires. dwellings, sheds and outbuildings those directly and indirectly as they are rebuilt. affected has required early and constant vigilance. Asking ‘R U OK?’ is encouraged as part of normal day-to-day conversations. While these conversations are imperative within the fire zone, they also need to be encouraged Island-wide.

12 Kangaroo Island COMMUNITY RECOVERY PLAN 2020 The economy, including The natural environment tourism and business Despite early winter rain in 2020 Bushfires are not only an that helped begin the bush and environmental threat but farmland regeneration process, a high economic risk. The the environmental impacts of full impact of the bushfire the bushfires on the local flora disaster is not yet known, but and fauna are expected to be with widespread damage and felt for many years. This plan impact on key industry sectors incorporates initiatives to restore such as agriculture, forestry and protect the Island’s native and tourism, it is expected to flora and fauna. exceed many millions of dollars. Actions identified under the economic line of recovery will fast-track the recovery process, create opportunities to alleviate pressure in the affected areas, and ensure communities are given the opportunity to restore and grow.

Clearing of debris from land helped people feel ready to move on

13 14 Kangaroo Island Bushfire Recovery Actions Glossary of terms appears on page 23 Kangaroo Island COMMUNITY Outcomes, evaluation - Activity Outputs Lead Status COVID-19 contingency measures of impact Infrastructure, Housing, Water, Power and Roads Issue: Clean-up and re-fencing is beyond the financial, physical and emotional capacity of some property owners. Outcome: Clean-up of properties and re-fencing is facilitated and financially supported. Encourage residents to be 1.1 Facilitate NGOs in their work, providing Landowner satisfaction and Number of properties cleared RC, LRC Ongoing prepared for clean-up when practical assistance on properties feedback on processes Number of NGOs undertaking the NGOs can return Landowner use of

RECOVERY PLAN 2020 PLAN RECOVERY work in the field 1.2 NGOs providing assistance with properties RC, Green Industries NGOs providing clean-up property clean-up operate while needed Kilometres of fencing replaced SA (GISA), relevant Ongoing assistance will return when and resources permit NGO feedback NGOs government restrictions permit

Number of properties cleared matches Clearance operations undertaken Property owners satisfied 1.3 Contaminated and general fire-damaged the loss register of damaged structures in a contactless environment with with clearance of fire- GISA, RC, LRC Ongoing housing waste and damaged fencing is cleared waste piled and consolidated in Kilometres of damaged fencing cleared damaged waste and replaced accessible areas Clearance operations undertaken 1.4 Dangerous tree removal where trees are a Number of properties cleared of Property owners satisfied in a contactless environment with threat to life, main dwelling or workplace, main GISA, RC, LRC Ongoing dangerous trees with clearance operations waste piled and consolidated in property access accessible areas Issue: Landowners require support to expedite the rebuilding and restoration of burnt infrastructure. Outcome: Burnt infrastructure is rebuilt and restored.

Number of community members LRC, RC, KI Council Ongoing accessing support to manage planning Timeliness and SA Housing Council is communicating to 1.5 Provide information and assistance with and rebuilding processes Authority (SAHA), Housing its community via telephone, planning, rebuilding, freight, insurance and Landowner feedback Department for expo Facebook and newspaper about design issues Number of houses rebuilt Funding process feedback Infrastructure and planning any changes to time frames Funding provided Transport (DIT) underway

Number of landholders seeking fee Ongoing assistance Successful application LRC, RC, KI Council, 1.6 Provide information on waiving or reduction ratios Emergency Relief Housing Council working as usual via Amount of funds waived relating to expo of fees relating to post-fire redevelopment Feedback on administration Functional Service telephone developments planning process and funding (ERFS) Development applications submitted underway

Numbers of queries (landowners access Feedback from landholders 1.7 CFS advice available on fire safety of information about how to rebuild in a on usefulness of CFS, DIT, KI Council Ongoing Available via telephone buildings in fire prone areas is made available fire-safe way) information and intent Information on CFS and council website to act on it Number of engagement opportunities Community spaces Community / Sports 1.8 Community is engaged in the restoration restored and design reflects Number of community members Club Committees, of social and community spaces (Western community input Telephone meetings and CDO providing input LRC, RC, Progress Ongoing Districts Sports Club, Stokes Bay Hall, liaison continuing Feedback from the associations or Parndana Community Hall, Vivonne Bay) Community engaged in design and community on the design equivalent development of facilities and development Outcomes, evaluation - Activity Outputs Lead Status COVID-19 contingency measures of impact Social, Health and Wellbeing Issue: The trauma of the fire, and stress associated with its aftermath, led to physical and psychological health issues and/or reduced social connections for some people. Outcome: Community members have access to and are able to meet their health and wellbeing needs (including mental health). Services in place and coordinated Minimal wait time to Service client numbers access service SA Health, Country Many services are still available, Case management client numbers SA Primary Health 2.1 Provide mental health services that are Gaps are resolved including through telehealth Network (CSAPHN), accessible to all members of the community Recovery Centre (RC) case manages Ongoing Resident survey – RC, LRC Online and telephone-based via various avenues and locations clients identified as vulnerable questions around services are available Waitlists are monitored and managed mental health, optimism, comparative state Gaps are identified and addressed Facebook and website are 2.2 Distribute information about emotional, continually updated to ensure social and physical wellbeing through recovery Information is readily available in Number of people asking SA Health that the most current information centre, recovery website and community various formats and locations about the services on offer is available meetings RC, LRC, Wellbeing Ongoing Recovery newsletters Number of people attending SA The Recovery Centre is available Wellbeing SA will distribute information via the services on offer Islander articles to print documents for those the “Open Your World” website without printer/computer. LRC, RC, PIRSA, Wellbeing SA, Ag KI, Kangaroo Island Tourism Food Wine Number of community networking Positive feedback from and Beverage 2.3 Facilitate community connectedness events held the community after Association Encouraging the community including informal localised community social networking events (KITFWBA), to use this time to link into the gatherings, including opportunities to network Evidence of inter-agency networking Stokes Bay Hall numerous articles and videos Ongoing with members of other communities that have Community survey/engagement Local Recovery Plan adapts Committee, Western produced by other affected experienced recovery, to encourage community activities to emerging needs Districts Memorial people, to learn from their to connect back with their local area Community and experiences Wellbeing SA Recovery Plan Resident survey Sports Centre (WDMCSC), Progress Associations, Red Cross, Rotary, Lions Needs are assessed and residents are 2.4 Monitor the need for outreach visits and provided with compassionate support Recovery Centre has increased compassionate support; activate services opportunities when required RC, Wellbeing SA, call rates to those registered and as needed LRC, SA Health Number of service referrals vulnerable Consult with people in complex situations to Resident survey ERFS Ongoing Group and individualised services Provide telephone contact details identify what assistance they need and link them include personal counselling and Financial counselling for mental health services in as to case management, financial counselling and issues-based workshops services many places as possible other services as appropriate

15 Note services provided 16

Outcomes, evaluation -

Kangaroo Island COMMUNITY Activity Outputs Lead Status COVID-19 contingency measures of impact Issue: The trauma of the fire, and stress associated with its aftermath, led to physical and psychological health issues and/or reduced social connections for some people. Outcome: Community members have access to and are able to meet their health and wellbeing needs (including mental health). Note events provided Some events postponed, 2.5 Provide programs that are relevant to Feedback received on so information updated and men, women, children and teenagers and a Number of visits to recovery centre Facebook and at individual LRC, All Ongoing distributed online and at the community information and event calendar events Number of newsletters issued Recovery Centre SA Health, Wellbeing 2.6 Monitor trends and stress indicators in Incident data from agencies SA, CSAPHN, the community (e.g. increasing issues of drug Needs are assessed and addressed Ensure the numbers of LRC, RC, Junction

RECOVERY PLAN 2020 PLAN RECOVERY and alcohol use, domestic violence, criminal Continue to share links and and the trends monitored to ensure people affected stay below and community Ongoing behaviour) and work alongside relevant agencies documents available sufficient awareness is in the community the State average organisations, to identify appropriate supports, programs and Headspace, Safer training opportunities to address them Training attendance data Families 2.7 KI Educational Partnership support: • Monitor educational leaders, staff and students and enact appropriate referrals when required • Schools and pre-schools support students and families through the provision of community resources using a range of All schools provide or facilitate access materials provided by identified key agencies. to appropriate counselling and support for students and staff Young people are engaged KICE, RC, LRC, • Students and families that present heightened Headspace, in recovery activities – Continue to share links and signs of trauma are referred to Health Data obtained from Department for community Ongoing survey re: participation documents available Network for case management. Education re: initiatives implemented organisations, Staff wellbeing survey • School is supported to employ a child and CAHMS data Safer Families youth social worker to provide in-school support, referrals to appropriate agencies EAP access data and develop a database of agencies and the families they support. • Encourage all schools and preschools to undertake recovery activities • Employee Assist Program available to educational staff as required. Outcomes, evaluation - Activity Outputs Lead Status COVID-19 contingency measures of impact 2.8 Foster and enhance community connections through community leaders and community development activities, and identify multiple communication channels Community development programs to include: Community has access to LRC, RC, CFS, • Grant-writing workshops to assist community programs oriented to their Wellbeing SA, Number of visits to recovery centre needs members to access funding Department for Encourage community ideas • Capacity building for community workers Number of newsletters issued Resident survey Innovation and that increase social connection, and volunteers to develop awareness of Skills (DIS) KI without having to be face to face communicating, self-care and wellbeing in Note activities undertaken Pre and post evaluation Small Business Underway workshops Provide online or hard copies of community Note activities undertaken, including Hub, Progress Associations, workshops (if requested) to any • Recognition of anniversaries and key dates government and non-government Case management priority programs that are available providers levels, trends/themes, Junction and Encourage community fire safe groups (with referral statistics identified community CFS) and addressed groups Mobilise and support community groups to build resilience Continuously monitor community wellbeing needs and influence programs accordingly Issue: Some community members are experiencing financial distress. Outcome: Community members are assisted financially through distribution of grants and donations and access to donated and second-hand goods. Community members have access to RC, LRC, PIRSA, financial support as required Community members have Department for 2.9 Publicise grants available from government access to financial support Environment and and community collections and fund-raising People access agencies for as required Water (DEW), DIS Underway Available via telephone and video events and help people access grants and financial counselling (KI Small Business donations People access agencies for Note service provided Financial Counselling Hub), Wellbeing SA, CSAPHN Number of applications, success rate and turnaround times 2.10 Investigate budgeting/financial Number of people LRC, RC, DIS (KI Rural counselling occurs Number of people accessing Underway management courses and promote availability financial counselling accessing courses Small Business Hub) via telephone Number of people accessing courses 17 18

Outcomes, evaluation -

Kangaroo Island COMMUNITY Activity Outputs Lead Status COVID-19 contingency measures of impact Issue: Trauma, stress and displacement can weaken social links or cause fractures in communities. Outcome: People are well connected to others in the community. Resident survey Community members have social and/or family Number of events and programs 2.11 Community-initiated events are networks to support each other and build resilience Wellbeing SA, LRC, encouraged and supported and LRC conducts Full community involvement – RC, community Encourage community ideas supplementary programs and events number of people in attendance Sporting facilities are centres and sports Underway that increase social links, without restored RECOVERY PLAN 2020 PLAN RECOVERY Encourage people to maintain pre-fire activities Promotion activities clubs having to be face to face and connections, e.g. clubs, sports, arts and All sporting groups and Community participation hobbies other activity groups have Actions plans developed recommenced Community members have social and/or Membership numbers are family networks to support each other maintained and build resilience 2.12 Promote with KI Council the development of community action plans for future Action plans developed by KI Council, LRC, CFS emergencies, in close collaboration with 20/21 fire season communities Issue: Some people want to be better prepared and know what to do, and how to do it, in the event of another fire. Outcome: Personal resilience is strengthened through knowledge that builds individual confidence and capabilities in the event of another fire. Residents are confident 2.13 Conduct localised workshops to include: in their ability to • Firey Women Workshops independently use Number of workshops held domestic firefighting • Property preparedness Number of participants equipment, to prepare the CFS, LRC, Wellbeing Within COVID restrictions or • Bushfire survival planning property for an impending SA, RC virtual • Understanding the alerts systems Amount of fire-fighting clothing fire, fight the fire if that is distributed their intention and survive • Community fire safety groups a fire • Local safer places No. of farm fire units accessing clothing Feedback from participants Promotion activities 2.14 Partner with CFS to facilitate distribution of subsidised/donated fire-fighting clothing for use Website changes Feedback from recipients LRC, CFS, KI Council with farm fire-fighting units Number of hits on the websites is 2.15 Liaise with CFS about improving public increased awareness of Bushfire Safer Precincts and with Resident survey re: KI Council and CFS about promoting information awareness LRC, CFS on websites and through messages about bushfire survival planning Outcomes, evaluation - Activity Outputs Lead Status COVID-19 contingency measures of impact Issue: Greening the landscape will aid psychological recovery. Outcome: Key public areas and private gardens are restored. 2.16 Provide advice and assistance with garden LRC, KI Garden Club, Public gardens are open with recovery, including fire safe garden design and Residents access information about Underway DEW, KILB , KI Council social distancing guidelines plant selection garden recovery, plant stock and other Feedback from the assistance, regarding re-establishing community on use of such LRC, KI Garden 2.17 Engage with nurseries and plant propagators gardens, that assists with greening the areas Club, Progress Underway Ongoing to encourage input over the long term landscape and psychological recovery Associations Primary Production Issue: Primary producers, agricultural and non-agricultural businesses have suffered losses due to direct fire damage or related impacts. Outcome: Local businesses (agricultural and non-agricultural) have skills, knowledge and resources they need to continue recovery efforts. 3.1 Provide advice and support to small RDA, DIS (KI Encourage producers to maintain business and primary producers in partnership Small Business contact with their Family and with Regional Development Australia (RDA), Farmer survey Hub), Agriculture Underway Business Support (FaBS) Department of Primary Industries and Kangaroo Island (Ag mentors and rural counsellors via Regions (PIRSA), agricultural industry groups, KI), PIRSA telephone or video conferencing networks, agribusiness RC, DIS (KI Small 3.2 Promote all grants including clean-up Producers have access to technical Business Hub), Underway Continuing recovery grants for farmers information and advice to guide restoration of soils to pre-fire productive PIRSA, Ag KI, LRC 3.3 Establish and facilitate primary capacity, and to manage whole of farm producers’ network/meetings to share primary issues, stock, watercourses, business PIRSA, LRC, Ag KI Via telephone or video production issues/ideas and provide social planning and management connectedness/cohesion Number/amount of grants 3.4 Conduct a second farmer focus group/think Participation in network tank to assess recovery and identify issues and Ag KI, PIRSA, LRC needs from both an immediate and long term Numbers attending resilience timeframe Number of reviews done 3.5 Promote business reviews including succession planning with rural financial Participation PIRSA, Ag KI Underway counsellors (Rural Business Support) offer to Report produced review progress 3.6 Partner with agencies to assist community members design and develop projects to PIRSA, Ag KI address impacts on farming systems 3.7 Document farmers’ experiences about land PIRSA, Ag KI Continuing and animal management for future events Ag KI, Insurance 3.8 Increase awareness of appropriate Farmers have access to information to Number of farmers with Council Australia, insurance coverage to ensure farmers make informed decisions Continuing appropriate insurance cover LRC, RC, DIS (KI understand their requirements Small Business Hub)

19 3.9 Develop community resilience and A more resilient and prepared rural Participation and LRC, Ag KI, PIRSA Continuing preparedness for future emergency events community preparedness 20

Outcomes, evaluation -

Kangaroo Island COMMUNITY Activity Outputs Lead Status COVID-19 contingency measures of impact The Economy, including Tourism and Business Issue: Support for the local economy will be key to the overall recovery effort after the 2019-20 summer bushfires. Outcome: A vibrant and resilient local economy. DIS, LRC, KI Business 4.1 Provide one-on-one mentoring programs Establishment of a KI small business hub Hub user survey re and Brand Alliance to all Kangaroo Island businesses affected Ongoing satisfaction and impact (KIBBA), Ag KI, (directly and indirectly) Number of visitors KITFWBA Kangaroo Island is promoted across all media and social media platforms RECOVERY PLAN 2020 PLAN RECOVERY SATC, LRC, To be implemented as 4.2 Development of a marketing campaign TOMM Visitor Survey Ongoing Tourism numbers KITFWBA, KIBBA restrictions are eased Hits on social media sites

4.3 Improve Island’s tourism diversity and New infrastructure TOMM Visitor Survey LRC, KIBBA, Ag KI, reduce dependency on iconic sites by Numbers of product incorporating Ongoing CTO Survey KITFWBA developing assets and tourism product non- iconic sites DIS (KI Small 4.4 Development of a Kangaroo Island Availability of workforce – Plan developed Business Hub), LRC, workforce plan with attraction strategies Business Survey KIBBA DIS (KI Small Number of programs initiated Business Hub) 4.5 Facilitate access to existing support and programs and promote community application Number of applications submitted Cross sector Business LRC, RC, KIBBA, to SA Bushfire Appeal and Mayoral Bushfire Survey KITFWBA, Ag KI, Relief Fund Industry Associations are funded and State Emergency empowered to support local business. Relief Fund (SERF), Chair Mayoral Fund Business continuity plans 4.6 Publicise the importance of business developed DIS, KITFWBA, Number of plans produced Continuing continuity planning, and distribute information Survey business Ag KI, KIBBA confidence Issue: Regional economy and local government have suffered losses, including revenue and labour impacts and the cost of providing support to affected individuals, families and businesses. Outcome: Advice and support is provided to local businesses.

Number of campaigns such as TOMM Visitor Survey DIS (KI Small 4.7 Promotion of local businesses, industries, #JustBuyKI - KIBBA Business Survey Business Hub), LRC, service providers, support services to Ongoing Number of visitors KIBBA, KITFWBA, encourage local spending and investment KI Community Directory AG KI New KI Community Directory published

Businesses are assisted by the Note action taken DIS (KI Small 4.8 Promotion and liaison with the Small services provided Business Hub), LRC, Numbers of people Business Hub Industry Associations actively involved Ag KI, KITFWBA, visiting hub in Hub activities KIBBA Outcomes, evaluation - Activity Outputs Lead Status COVID-19 contingency measures of impact Issue: Regional economy and local government have suffered losses, including revenue and labour impacts and the cost of providing support to affected individuals, families and businesses. Outcome: Advice and support is provided to local businesses. Adelaide Training 4.9 Skills and training - KI Workforce has Number of training opportunities KI Employment rate and Employment opportunities to develop transferrable skills Number of course participants Training participant survey Centre (ATEC), KIBBA, LRC Number of programs delivered supporting on-island innovation Jobs created Number of new ventures/businesses DIS (KI Small No. of new businesses/ 4.10 Fostering innovation and promoting created (and job creation from such new Business Hub), ventures to establish entrepreneurship on Island ventures) KIBBA, Business SA, on-Island ATEC Economic contribution ($) as result of New $ investment on Island investment by newly established Island ventures/businesses Natural Environment Issue: The fire caused significant loss of native flora and fauna. Outcome: Healthy levels of native vegetation and native animals are restored. 5.1 Promote workshops and assist landowners Landowners receive advice with recovery of the natural environment and assistance needed to Some workshops postponed, DEW, LRC Ongoing through visits, technical advice, and restore the natural values of others available online dissemination of information Number of workshops, events and the landscape participants 5.2 Provide information and events for Community is involved in landowners and community regarding restoring public places and DEW Ongoing Information available online regeneration of natural environment conservation activities Number of funded projects Project outcomes – e.g. 5.3 Facilitate access to funding opportunities to vegetation condition, DEW, KILB, LRC support environmental recovery activities Area of fire ground covered by project species recovery, habitat activity rest LRC, KI Council, 5.4 Partner with research institutions to improve Number of research projects Research findings inform KILB, Adelaide understanding of bushfire impacts on natural policy and decision-making University, Flinders environment Number of research partners processes University, University of South Australia 21 22

Outcomes, evaluation -

Kangaroo Island COMMUNITY Activity Outputs Lead Status COVID-19 contingency measures of impact Issue: Significant vegetation along roadsides could become fuel for a fire. Outcome: A green waste removal plan is developed and implemented. Decision pending Funding secured through state and Appropriate green waste LRC, KI Council, following Ongoing engagement through 5.5 Seek funding for the removal of green waste federal government sources disposal program enacted DEW, KILB submission virtual conferencing to government Issue: Fires were fuelled by an abundance of uncleared vegetation. RECOVERY PLAN 2020 PLAN RECOVERY Outcome: A long-term fire management plan focussed on national parks, forestry plantations and roadside vegetation will be developed and implemented.

Plan developed 5.6 Seek local and expert input into the Number of workshops, events and CFS, LRC, DEW development of a fire management plan participants Community is involved in plan development

Transition Issue: Local Recovery Coordinator Office and Recovery Centre funding concludes March 2021. Outcome: A transition plan will be developed with permanent Island community services and supports that leads identified recovery supports through a hand-over and exit process. LRC, KI Council, 6.1 Engage community groups and KI Council Community is involved Progress Transition plan developed by to develop appropriate transition plan to ensure in plan development and Associations, January 2021 community support measures continue delivery of support. Junction, Sport and Community Centres Glossary of terms

Ag KI GISA RC Agriculture Kangaroo Island Green Industries South Australia Recovery Centre

ATEC KIBBA RDA Adelaide Training and Kangaroo Island Business Regional Development Australia Employment Centre and Brand Alliance SAHA CDO KICE South Australian Housing Community Development Officer Kangaroo Island Community Authority Education CFS SATC Country Fire Service KILB South Australian Kangaroo Island Landscape Tourism Commission CSAPHN Board (was previously KI Natural Country South Australia Resources Management) SERF Public Health Network State Emergency Relief Fund KIPT DEW Kangaroo Island WDMCSC Department for Environment Plantation Timbers Western Districts Memorial and Water Community Sports Centre KITFWBA DIS Kangaroo Island Tourism Food Department of Innovation Wine and Beverage Association and Skills LRC DIT Local Recovery Coordinator Department of Infrastructure and Transport NGO Non-Government Organisation ERFS Emergency Relief PIRSA Functional Service Department of Primary Industries and Regions

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