The 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.
