THE Flood Recovery Coordinator for the Hunter and Mid North Coast is encouraging farmers and other flood-affected residents to continue to seek assistance.
“We understand it is difficult but it is important to register and complete the documentation, so that if further funding becomes available applicants will be automatically notified,” Dave Owens said.
“Recovery is a slow process and our primary concern is for the mental health of our farmers and residents.
”I am determined to make sure this happens.”
Approximately 13,000 people have attended recovery centres and assistant points since the catastrophic flood events in May.
“It has been massive – the size of it and what has been achieved has been fantastic.
“We have not forgotten about you.
”We are here for the long term, not the short term.”
Mr Owens said that currently:
– 53 households are in emergency care and will need long term assistance
– 47,000 people have applied for personal hardship assistance and 700 applications have been received from small businesses and not for profit organisations.
– 25,000 tonnes of flood waste (equivalent to 1800 trucks) has been sent to temporary waste
– 960 cubic metres has been removed from the shoreline
– 700 silage bales and 900 chemical containers have been collected.
The Flood Recovery Centre in Taree is still operational for another month, however recovery assistance, which provides outreach into communities, will continue.
“We have held two online seminars for 200 small businesses with a step through process – a good step forward.”
Service NSW has emailed over 200,000 businesses across 19 impacted local government areas.
Impacted businesses have been able to access an initial $5000 with low documentation and another $20,000 with receipts.
By Pauline CAIN
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