Prime Minister Julia Gillard surveys the ruins of Dunalley Primary Schoo yesterday.
THE communities that have been ravaged by bushfires will have a say in how their towns are rebuilt.
The state government could announce details of its recovery plan as early as today.
Deputy Premier Bryan Green said yesterday that a governance team would be put together and tasked with working with affected councils and communities.
He said the government would also seek advice from places like Victoria and the Australian Capital Territory, which have recently rebuilt areas devastated by fire.
‘‘Obviously, we have to keep the fires under control and do all those things first. We are right at the beginning of the fire season,’’ Mr Green said.
‘‘The really important question, though, is how we involve communities in the rebuilding process as we are really keen to work closely with them.’’
Mr Green organised an emergency cabinet meeting yesterday morning, while Premier Lara Giddings returned to the state after cutting her private holiday short.
She said budget constraints had not affected the state’s ability to handle such fires.
‘‘I believe everything is happening as it ought to happen,’’ Ms Giddings said.
‘‘Of course, in time we will review what we have been doing to ensure that if there’s things we can do better thatwe learn. But right at this point in time, we are still fighting fires, we are still working with families who need our help and all of that help is being provided.’’
She said there were no plans for a formal inquiry, but that each agency would review its actions.
Prime Minister Julia Gillard visited Tasmania yesterday to demonstrate that the nation was standing behind the state.
‘‘For many, they’re still worried about family and friends and still seeking to be reassured that their family and friends are OK. It is a very anxious time,’’ Ms Gillard said.
‘‘To all of those people I do want to say: we’re thinking of you in these moments of grief and despair, and we will be working with you in the days to come.’’
Lyons Labor MHR Dick Adams welcomed a commitment from Education Minister Nick McKim to rebuild Dunalley Primary School.
‘‘I’m pleased to see that as I think that we can rebuild the community alongside that school,’’ Mr Adams said