Nambucca and Bellingen flood declared natural disaster
29th October 2009Ministerial media release
Emergency Services Minister Steve Whan today declared a natural disaster following flooding on the State's Mid North Coast.
Mr Whan said the declaration covered the Nambucca and Bellingen shires, which had suffered damage to infrastructure, particularly roads, bridges, causeways, culverts and water bores.
"Conditions are now easing, following heavy rainfall of up to 450mm in some locations that resulted in minor to moderate main river flooding and localised flash flooding," he said.
"While there are no longer any communities isolated by floodwaters, a number of roads remain flood-affected, with alternate routes available.
"On the Nambucca River, Sullivans Road at Valla and Johns Bridge remain closed until further notice, along with the MacPhersons Crossing and Poleys Bridge on the Orara River.
"About 500 people living along the Kalang River were isolated on Tuesday night by the closure of the Moodys Bridge but this has since reopened."
He said a natural disaster declaration provided for a range of assistance for residents, councils and business owners who had suffered property damage.
"It will particularly help ensure the councils are reimbursed for the cost of repairing public infrastructure," Mr Whan said.
Mr Whan thanked members of the State Emergency Service for their hard work to assist the community.
"As always, our SES volunteers responded quickly to calls for help and have put in a tremendous effort. More than 80 volunteers have been working in the field and in other logistical roles," he said.
"By yesterday afternoon the SES had received about 80 requests for assistance, with the greatest concentration in the Clarence-Nambucca region. Teams attended to flash flooding, fallen trees, leaking roofs and blocked gutters."
Anyone who still needs help from the SES should call 132 500.
Nambucca and Bellingen flood declared natural disaster (PDF 43KB)