THE NSW Government says it is “working around the clock” to help flood-affected communities get back on their feet following the recent severe weather event on the east coast.
Service NSW Centres that were closed due to dangerous conditions, including in Taree, Wauchope, Kempsey and Port Macquarie, have now reopened, with the last centre resuming operations on Monday 26 May.
Applications are now open for the East Coast Severe Weather Personal Hardship Assistance Payment.
The payment provides $180 per eligible individual or up to $900 per household to help cover the cost of essential items like food, clothing, emergency accommodation and medicine.
The fastest way to apply is through the Service NSW website or app.
Service NSW staff are also available at Recovery Centres to help with applications and connect people with other disaster support.
Last week, Recovery Centres were set up in some of the hardest-hit areas, including Taree, Port Macquarie, Kempsey, Macksville and Maitland, to give people a place to ask questions, get advice and access the right support.
This week, Recovery Assistance Points opened in Wingham, Raymond Terrace, Gloucester, Dunghetti, Dungog, Tilligerry and Purfleet.
Mobile outreach teams will also visit smaller communities.
On the ground, more than 1,600 Transport for NSW staff and contractors are supporting the recovery.
Across the Mid North Coast, more than 650 road crews, councils and contractors have been working around the clock to restore access.
So far, they’ve completed more than 5,500 pothole repairs, including on major roads like the Pacific, Oxley, Gwydir and New England Highways and have cleared more than 2,000 tonnes of debris from the road network.
In education, all public schools are open, with three currently operating from alternate locations.
All affected TAFE campuses have re-opened and 238 early childhood centres are back in operation.
Waste recovery is also progressing quickly. More than 18,000 cubic metres of flood debris has been cleared and taken to landfill or temporary storage.
The EPA has approved 11 emergency waste storage sites, with three regional sites operating in Fredericton, Pembroke and Nabiac.
Specialist clean-up teams are also removing debris from the Manning, Hastings and Macleay Rivers.
Flood waste can be reported by calling the Environment Line on 131 555.
NSW Reconstruction Authority CEO Mal Lanyon said, “The scale of the impacts and recovery are significant, and we understand the challenges that come with that.
“But our message to communities is clear: we’re on the ground, we’re working hard, and we’ll be here for the long haul.
“The NSW Reconstruction Authority remains committed to standing side by side with flood-affected communities, not just in the immediate response, but throughout the recovery, for as long as it takes.”
Visit a Recovery Centre, call Service NSW on 13 77 88 or go to nsw.gov.au/floodrecoveryupdates for details on locations and services.
