Anthony Albanese warns of ‘difficult’ bushfire season ahead as almost 40 homes lost in NSW and Tasmania

Disaster payments announced after 16 homes destroyed in Koolewong and four at Bulahdelah, and 19 homes lost in TasmaniaFollow 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 16 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...