Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will visit flood-affected areas on the NSW Mid North Coast. Photo: Michelle Kroll.
Seventy Australian Defence Force personnel will be deployed to help the flood recovery effort on the NSW Mid North Coast starting Tuesday (27 May).
They will be joined by a team from Disaster Relief Australia, starting with 25 people and growing to 100 by week’s end.
Anthony Albanese will also be travelling to affected areas on Tuesday.
The Prime Minister said the recovery work will involve clean-up, debris removal, welfare checks and re-establishing critical infrastructure.
A Disaster Recovery Allowance of up to 13 weeks in income support will be immediately available for affected communities.
Mr Albanese noted there was a risk over the coming days of a cold front approaching from the south with the potential to knock over trees and structures in flood-affected areas.
“At the worst of times we see the best of the Australian character, and we’ve seen that once again in NSW,” the Prime Minister said.
“People stepping up to help out, because that’s the Australian way. My message to these communities is simple – we’ve got your back.
“That’s why we’re activating further support and sending more help to communities impacted by these devastating floods.”
Mr Albanese said his government was standing with communities impacted by devastating floods in the Hunter and Mid North Coast region of NSW, with further support activated to help people get back on their feet.
Coordinated by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the ADF will join emergency services personnel on the ground from the ACT, Queensland, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia, Western Australia and New Zealand.
Disaster Relief Australia will also help residents with clean-up efforts and damage assessments.
Jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements have been activated for 19 local government areas, administered by NSW, including support for emergency accommodation and essential items, help for small businesses and councils to repair damage, and support for primary producers.
Defence Minister Richard Marles said ADF personnel will be on the ground helping impacted communities during the early recovery phase.
“Alongside emergency services and Disaster Relief Australia, the ADF will provide support to assist with planning, welfare checks, route clearance and the re‑establishment of critical infrastructure across the region,” Mr Marles said.
“I want to thank all of those who have been working around the clock throughout this difficult time and those who will be on the ground this week to lend a hand.”
Jointly funded Personal Hardship Payments, administered by NSW, will also be available to cover essentials including food, clothing and medicines.
Applications have also opened for the Commonwealth’s Disaster Recovery Allowance for an initial four Local Government Areas – Kempsey, Port Macquarie-Hastings, Mid-Coast and Dungog.
Administered by Services Australia, this provides up to 13 weeks’ income support for eligible workers who have had their regular employment impacted.
Emergency Management Minister Kristy McBain said all levels of government were working cooperatively to support flood-affected communities.
“I want to assure people in the Hunter and Mid North Coast that there will be a united effort between the three levels of government to support impacted communities at every stage of recovery,” she said.
“The financial assistance already activated, and this clean-up support on the ground, is just the beginning of getting people back on their feet.
“As flood waters recede and as we get a better picture of the full extent of damage, we will work quickly to activate more tailored assistance to support people in the Hunter and Mid North Coast.”
A Community Recovery Support Fund, jointly funded by the Federal and NSW governments, will also be made available to support councils with immediate clean-up and restorations once the impacts are known.
