Reliving Australia's Post-Fire Kangaroo Valley

The kangaroo survived the forest fire (Twitter @brynnobrien)

JAKARTA - Slowly but surely, the area in New South Wales, Australia is starting to recover from the catastrophic forest and land fires. Places of cultural heritage and captivity are starting to clean up to restore the natural conditions that were scorched by fire.

One of them is Kangaroo Valley, which is starting to reopen tourist visits. This wildlife park which is located 150 km from the City of Sydney was damaged quite badly during the forest and land fire disaster, some time ago.

The rain that has flushed Australia in recent days has stopped the heat wave and also reduced the number of fire spots in the land of kangaroos. It is estimated that the catastrophic fires have cost a total of 1 billion Australian dollars or 688 million US dollars.

"Many tourists are being told not to come because of the risk of wildfires," said Andi Csantos, a resident who organized a fundraiser for Kangaroo Valley.

“That risk is really over now. And it's very important for people to come and support our community so that our business can continue, "he added.

Before the fires started, November to New Year was usually the busiest time for tourist attractions in New South Wales. However, due to the fire, about 30 houses in the Kangaroo Valley disappeared into flames and were empty of visitors.

Now the center of the Kangaroo Valley area is starting to clean up. The shops and wooden houses with one floor where to stay are starting to be visited by local and foreign tourists.

"The sooner we come back to support them, the better they will be safe. If not, some maybe their (business) will not survive, "said a tourist from Sydney, Sam Thoma.

Since last weekend, the Australian government has received an injection of funds to revive the tourism area. Where the tourism industry accounts for more than 3 percent of Australia's annual economic income.

“International visitors are critical and especially to places like Kangoroo Island or the tropics of North Queensland. (The two) areas are areas that rely mostly on international tourists and that is why we have to restore the industry as quickly as possible, ”said Australian Tourism Minister Simon Birmingham.

Birmingham said international tourist arrivals to Australia had fallen by nearly 30-40 percent. Meanwhile, visits from domestic tourists fell by almost 70 percent, since the forest and land fire disaster occurred.

The rain that has hit Australia coupled with colder weather in recent days has eased the risk of fires. However, the authorities have warned that hot weather will return this weekend.