The race is on in Buchan to see who will be the first to move into their new home following the Black Summer Bushfires which destroyed homes when it swept through the town in the final days of 2019.
COVID-19 restrictions, a shortage of timber and general malaise has resulted in work progressing slowly on the rebuilds.
“I think the ability to get tradespeople and the over demand on their services has made it difficult,” Anne Brewer, who lost her house just off Buchan’s main street, on the afternoon of December 30, said.
“Some people are still trying to get through the red tape and others are finding it hard to summons the energy to start,” she said.
Ms Brewer and her partner were due to move into their home in March, but the rebuild has been beset with delays.
“The flooring is down, the cabinets are in and the lights are on, so I’m hoping I’ll be in by the end of September,” Ms Brewer said wishfully.

IMAGE: Linda and Bob Carney can’t wait to move into their new home on their farming property on the outskirts of Buchan. K245-4227