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More than 70 Australian Defence Force personnel have been deployed to the Mid-North Coast of NSW to assist with post-flooding recovery and clean-up.
Australian Defence Force personnel, alongside members of Disaster Relief Australia (DRA), will be deployed to support NSW authorities with clearance, clean-up and early recovery operations from 27 May, according to a statement from the federal government. Disaster Relief Australia will also help residents with clean-up efforts and damage assessments.
Coordinated by the National Emergency Management Agency, they will join emergency services personnel on the ground from ACT, Queensland, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia, Western Australia, and New Zealand.
“We’re activating further support and sending more help to communities that have been impacted by these devastating floods. People have stepped up, and my message to these communities is that all three levels of government have got your back,” Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said, speaking to a media conference in Canberra on 26 May.
“We will have 70 Australian Defence Force personnel on the ground in the Mid-North Coast helping with recovery, helping with clean-up, as well. As well as that, there will be a team from Disaster Relief Australia, 25 initially, there’ll be 100 personnel from DRA on the ground by the end of this week to provide assistance.
“They will be involved in clean-up, in debris removal, in welfare checks and re-establishing critical infrastructure that is so important for these communities. At times like this, it is important that all levels of government, as well as the non-government sector, work together to provide support for these communities, and that’s precisely what we intend to do.”
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 damages, and support for primary producers.
Jointly funded Personal Hardship Payments, administered by NSW, will also be available to cover essentials including food, clothing and medicines.
“Australian Defence Force personnel will be on the ground this week helping impacted communities in the Hunter and Mid-North Coast during the early recovery phase,” Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said.
“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.
“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.”
Applications for the Commonwealth’s Disaster Recovery Allowance have also opened for an initial four local government areas in Kempsey, Port-Macquarie Hastings, Mid-Coast and Dungog. Administered by Services Australia, this provides up to 13 weeks of income support for eligible workers that have had their regular employment impacted.
A Community Recovery Support Fund, jointly funded by the Albanese and Minns governments, will also be made available to support councils with immediate clean-up and restorations once impacts are known.
“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,” Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain 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.”
