RESPONSE AND RECOVERY FOR NSW COMMUNITIES AFFECTED BY FLOODS

A multi-agency Strike Force has mobilised with equipment and crews heading out to commence the clean-up following extreme floods across the State.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the scale of rainfall over the past week and subsequent flooding requires dedicated recovery efforts.

“Our emergency services personnel and volunteers have been outstanding in dealing with the wild weather and the floods, but the scale of rainfall has been enormous and the recovery process will be challenging,” Ms Berejiklian said.

Deputy Premier John Barilaro said the Recovery Strike Force comprised personnel from the Australian Defence Force, NSW Rural Fire Service and Fire & Rescue NSW, with clean-up efforts beginning yesterday on the Mid North Coast following the all clear from the SES.

“Our priority right now is to ensure roads are accessible, places are safe for people to return, and to assist with washout and clean-up by removing bulk waste,” Mr Barilaro said.

Service NSW is working in partnership with Resilience NSW and other state agencies, local government and the Australian Government to provide impacted people with information on and access to accommodation advice, relevant charitable services, mental health and wellbeing services, support for businesses, clean-up services, financial assistance and insurance and legal support.

The one-stop shop, administered by Service NSW, is now live and residents and businesses can connect with a Customer Care specialist by calling 13 77 88 (7am to 7pm including weekends).

Further, a specialist support group to co-ordinate council-to-council assistance has been reactivated to help communities impacted by the floods.

Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock said the Local Government Emergency Recovery Support Group was instrumental in ensuring offers of help from non-bushfire affected councils reached communities devastated by the bushfires in 2019-20.

“As the devastation of the weekend’s deluge becomes clear, this support group will help co-ordinate council-to-council assistance to communities devastated by flooding.

“I am calling on councils in a position to help communities in need to come forward. Likewise, I am also calling on those flood-affected councils who need help to come forward and register their needs,” Mrs Hancock said.

The NSW Government is urging people who would like to donate to take advantage of the official partnership with the national not-for-profit charity platform GIVIT to coordinate donations and support local charities.

Mental health support is also available at all times – the NSW Government recommends Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636) and Lifeline Australia (13 11 14). For support specific to small business owners, visit the Small Business Commissioner’s mental health support page.

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