SYDNEY, Sept. 9 (Xinhua) -- A taskforce has been set up on Monday to determine the extent of damage to Australia's world heritage-listed Binna Burra Lodge after wildfires tore through the Gold Coast Hinterland over the weekend.
Built in the 1930s, the popular tourism destination in the Lamington National Park was considered to be one of Australia's first ever nature-based resorts, featuring stunning views, wildlife and world-renowned walking trails.
But aerial footage of the site now appears to show the isolated holiday hotspot is all but destroyed.
"We appreciate this is a very difficult time for everyone affected and we want them to know our government is here to support them with their recovery," Queensland Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning (DSDMIP) Cameron Dick said.
"Rebuilding and restoration is a crucial part of the overall recovery process, and we appreciate the love both locals and visitors hold for Binna Burra and the lodge itself."
Although the worst may be for areas surrounding the Binna Burra Lodge, across the rest of Australia's east coast there are still over 100 fires which continue to threaten lives and property on both sides of the Queensland and New South Wales State border.
According to a Queensland Rural Fire Service spokesperson, the hot, dry conditions coupled with wind gusts of up to 90 km per hour, have made battling the blazes extremely challenging for fire crews.
As a result, over the past four days it is estimated that dozens of homes have been destroyed, along with hundreds of thousands of acres of bushland.
"We're through the worst of it but still have a couple of days to go," Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Minister Craig Crawford told local media.
"Wednesday is when we will start to see a decrease in this fire weather." Enditem
