On November 8 The Port Macquarie News reported that residents in Laurieton and Dunbogan received evacuation notices as the fire threat loomed closer to the Camden Haven but luckily the heroic efforts of the Rural Fire Service personnel and emergency services prevented homes in that region being destroyed.

A Department of Planning Industry and Environment (DPIE) spokesperson said the environmental damage from the bushfire continues to cause issues for clean up crews.

"Of the 10,700 hectares of Crowdy Bay National Park, approximately 9000ha - 84 per cent - of the park was impacted by fire," the spokesperson said.

"The park was closed to the public for five weeks, which was a very short period of time given the impact to the park and critical infrastructure.

"NPWS staff worked closely with campground managers to restore safe public access in a timely and professional manner."

The spokesperson said there was extensive damage across the park which impacted recovery efforts and had an obvious impact on Christmas holiday-maker numbers.

"Key visitor assets that were significantly damaged or destroyed included the water supply to Diamond Head and Crowdy Gap Campgrounds, signage, walking tracks, pedestrian bridges, roads, a toilet block and the historical Kylie's Hut," the spokesperson said.

"A great proportion of the vegetation was impacted and is now recovering through seed bank germination and re-growth from existing plants such as eucalyptus trees and grass trees.

"We are not able to give an accurate estimate on the impact to wildlife at this stage, although there has been many recent sightings of recovering and returning wildlife such as koalas, kangaroos, goanna, echidna and many bird species including raptor bird species."

Kylie's Hut was an historic residence originally built by local man Ernie Metcalfe for Australian author Kylie Tennant who moved to the area during World War II.

The DPIE said they will collaborate with the NPWS to see if Kylie's Hut should be rebuilt.

"Kylie's Hut is recognised by NPWS as a significant European cultural site and is very much loved and valued by the local community.

"Kylie's Hut was destroyed by the fire, although some of the original materials remain on site and the chimney foundations are intact.

"It will take some time to undergo assessments and we will seek advice from heritage specialists on whether or not Kylie's Hut should be rebuilt.

"NPWS is working hard to repair and replace damaged assets such as walking tracks and signage, as well as re-opening the Crowdy Gap campground.

"Focus has also been directed towards planning and implementing pest plant works and pest animal programs, and installing fauna drinking stations to ensure the recovering bushland and native fauna have the best chance of survival."

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