Since the fires, shire staff and committees have been making an inventory of the damage and liaising with Emergency Services WA to access Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery (WANDRRA) funds.

Assets damaged by fire, or by moving firefighting equipment, included signs, fencing and gates, roads, paths, stairs, guide posts, playground equipment and picnic facilities.

“Only minor damage was sustained to shire buildings – the fire passed within metres of toilet blocks at Rivermouth, Surfers Point and Gnarabup without causing any significant damage,” the report stated.

“The costs of replacing or repairing this infrastructure will be recoverable through insurance or WANDRRA.

“Any shortfall in funding needed for additional works will be addressed in the 2011/12 mid year budget review.

“The more urgent works been arranged in advance of the outcome of the insurance and WANDRRA claims.”

Much of the initial work has been done by low security prisoners from Bunbury Regional Prison.

Works undertaken to date include temporary fencing of fire damaged coastal areas, and temporary replacement of burnt stairs.

This was to help protect sensitive areas, the report said, as after the fire sightseers were seen climbing over denuded sand dunes and vehicles parked in previously unaccessible areas.

The matter comes to council at tonight’s meeting.