Flood recovery milestone reached

Port Macquarie-Hastings

Port Macquarie Hastings Council has reached a major milestone in our flood recovery efforts, with initial ‘make-safe’ repairs from the two 2021 flood events now complete.

Work, however, remains ongoing to address emergency repairs from this years’ weather events.

Make-safe covers work completed to restore access on local roads, bridges and infrastructure. More work will be needed to fully repair and restore damaged locations to their pre-flood condition.

More than 1000 damages were reported as a result of the floods experienced in 2021 and 2022. Staff and contractors have now completed repairs to approximately 64% of all locations identified.

To date $16.4 million in funding has been approved for flood repair work and a further $26.4 million is awaiting approval.

A significant number of the remaining jobs are awaiting geotechnical studies, specialist investigations and designs for work such as embankment remediation, bridge works, and repairs to recreational assets. The remaining damages are estimated to collectively cost over $92 million.

The State Government recently issued a Disaster Declaration for the Port Macquarie Hastings LGA for the severe weather and flooding from 27 June 2022.

This means affected community members can access a range of special assistance measures.

Primary producers, small businesses, not-for-profit organisations and sporting clubs can access concessional loans to support their recovery, while some small businesses and sporting clubs can also access grants.

PMHC Group Manager Project Delivery Chris Favaloro says, at this point, there is not enough damage sustained to Essential Public Assets to enable PMHC to be eligible to apply for funding under NSW Natural Disaster Essential Public Asset Restoration Guidelines for this latest event.

“We are monitoring current conditions and actioning works with our available resources while simultaneously planning repairs from previously eligible flood events,” he said.

“This declaration is positive news for the community, who can now access more support. We encourage people to explore the opportunities available.

“We are still working with many agencies and programs to continue recovery works and seek further funding opportunities – including Transport for New South Wales and the Public Works Advisory.”

The State Government has urged any local homeowners, business owners or primary producers that suffered direct damage from the July floods to apply for the funding.

Information about disaster relief payments, grants and other assistance can be found here.

/Public Release. View in full here.