Recent Flooding Declared a Natural Disaster Event

The advice that the flooding event which began on 4 August 2022 has now been declared a natural disaster is very welcome news for the Warrumbungle Shire Council and its residents who are still recovering from the storms from November 2021.

The Australian Government and the NSW Government through the jointly funded Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) have now recognised that the extraordinary rainfall event will be declared as a natural disaster. The declaration allows for Council and eligible community members to receive financial assistance to restore damaged infrastructure caused by the flooding.

“Locals will recall the intense rainfall that began 4 August 2022 and damage it has caused to properties, infrastructure and the road network throughout the Shire,” said Warrumbungle Shire Council Mayor, Councillor Ambrose Doolan. “The heavy water flows from the flooding saw road drainage systems overflow causing damage to culverts, causeways and the road network right across the Shire.” 

“Road users are reminded to take extra care when travelling the roads across the Warrumbungle Local Government Area and to drive to the conditions of the road,” said Cr Doolan.  

“While Council is able to continue to carry out emergency road repairs, Council must still apply for and have the application approved for the funding of restoration works prior to these extensive works commencing,” Cr Doolan explained.  

“The funding application for this natural disaster event has now started to be prepared for the restoration of the damaged infrastructure. However, restoration works will take some time to be completed and, in some cases may take up to two years.” 

“This event comes on the back of the already badly damaged roads across the local government area from the November 2021 storm events. The damage bill for these events has totaled over $13M, the largest claim ever made by this Council. Council is still waiting for approval to commence the majority of the repairs,” said Cr Doolan.

Assistance is also available for eligible community members under the DRFA. This assistance includes;
• Help for eligible people whose homes or belongings have been damaged (eligibility criteria apply);
• Concessional interest rate loans for small businesses, primary producers and non-profit organisations; and
• Freight subsidies for primary producers.

For information on personal hardship and distress assistance, contact Service NSW on 13 77 88.

To apply for a concessional loan, contact the NSW Rural Assistance Authority on 1800 678 593 or visit www.raa.nsw.gov.au

Information on disaster assistance can be found on the Australian Government’s Disaster Assist website at www.disasterassist.gov.au

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Last Updated: 05 Oct 2022