Albanese warns of ‘difficult’ bushfire season ahead as cooler conditions bring relief to disaster-ravaged NSW

Most active fires contained on Sunday as disaster payments announced after at least 12 homes in Koolewong and four at Bulahdelah were destroyedFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastThe prime minister, Anthony Albanese, has warned of a “difficult” summer bushfire season ahead, as a natural disaster was declared in parts of New South Wales and crews battling more than 70 fires gained the upper hand on Sunday.The most destructive blaze – an out-of-control bushfire at Koolewong, not far from built-up areas of the Central Coast – destroyed more than 12 homes on Saturday. The threat had eased by midday on Sunday, as strong winds gave way to a cool change.Central CoastMid CoastUpper HunterMuswellbrookWarrumbungleDubbo Continue reading...