THE Australian and NSW Governments are activating specific disaster assistance measures for the Narrabri Local Government Area following widespread severe weather including strong winds and heavy rainfall.

Some support has been made available under the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements

Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Jenny McAllister, said the funding activated today will support communities as they begin the recovery process.

“We know that this flooding event will place significant burden on local councils, and we want to make sure they have the resources to clean up and restore public assets,’ she said.

“This assistance will support their work, while also helping more communities access essential supplies.

“The Australian and NSW Governments are working closely to ensure communities get the support they need to recover.”

NSW Minister for Recovery, Janelle Saffin, said natural disaster declarations are a vital step to unlock joint assistance so communities can begin the clean-up, rebuilding and recovery process.

“I want to thank our emergency services personnel, our dedicated volunteers and all the community members who have been working around the clock to keep people safe, and help with the recovery effort,” she said.

“Narrabri has been hit by severe weather, including strong winds and heavy rainfall which have caused serious damage to property, so we are activating immediate support measures for the community.

“This severe weather has disrupted communities, and emergency crews are ready to respond to further wild weather. NSW SES, Police, and RFS flood rescue teams are on the ground and prepared to step in where needed.”

More information on disaster assistance can be found at Flood Recovery Updates or call (02) 9212 9311.

Recent flooding in west Narrabri (Image: Benjaman Ballangarry).

Assistance measures that may be provided to communities include:

Support for affected local councils to help with the costs of cleaning up and restoring damaged essential public assets;

Assistance for eligible residents to help meet immediate needs like emergency accommodation and essential items generally provided from evacuation or recovery centres;

Grants for low-income, uninsured residents to replace lost essential household items to maintain basic standard of living;

Grants for low-income, uninsured residents to undertake essential structural repairs to restore their homes to a basic, safe and habitable condition;

Freight subsidies for primary producers to help transport livestock and fodder;

Concessional interest rate loans for small businesses, primary producers, and non-profit organisations and grants to sporting and recreation clubs to repair or replace damaged or destroyed property; and

Financial support towards counter disaster activity undertaken by emergency service organisations to keep communities safe.

Flood Safety Advice:

In life threatening emergencies, call 000 (triple zero) immediately. If you require rescue, assistance to evacuate or other emergency help, ring NSW SES on 132 500;

Avoid drowning. Stay out of rising water, seek refuge in the highest available place;

Prevent damage to your vehicle. Move it under cover, away from areas likely to flood;

Avoid being swept away. Stay out of fast-flowing creeks and storm drains; or

Never drive, ride or walk through flood water. Flood water can be deceptive and dangerous.

For more emergency information, advice, and access to the latest river heights and rainfall observations and forecasts:

NSW SES: www.ses.nsw.gov.au

RMS Live Traffic: www.livetraffic.com

Latest River Heights and Rainfall Observations: www.bom.gov.au/nsw/flood/northwest.shtml

Latest NSW Warnings: www.bom.gov.au/nsw/warnings/

Rainfall Forecasts: www.bom.gov.au/australia/meteye/

BOM NSW Twitter: www.twitter.com/BOM_NSW

IF IT’S FLOODED, FORGET IT!