Over the weekend, the State Emergency Service (SES) responded to more than 4900 incidents across New South Wales, with over 5000 volunteers deployed to assist. The Illawarra region was also severely impacted by the wild weather, causing disruptions to train lines. The South Coast line between Waterfall and Bomaderry was closed due to damage along the line, prompting bus replacements for trains in both directions. Other public transportation services were running on altered timetables as efforts to recover from the rain event continued.
On Sunday, the state government officially declared the flooding event a natural disaster, opening the pathway for financial support from both state and federal governments. This financial aid is intended to assist those who lost homes or had businesses impacted by the severe weather. Funds will also be allocated to local councils to repair essential public infrastructure. The money has been allocated to 13 local government areas including Blue Mountains, Camden, Hawkesbury, Kiama, Liverpool, Penrith, Shellharbour, Shoalhaven, Sutherland, Upper Lachlan, Wingecarribee, Wollondilly, and Wollongong.
NSW Premier, Chris Minns, stated that the financial support, provided under the federal government’s Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, will primarily be focused on helping individuals who lost their homes. He emphasized that funds will also be directed towards local councils and communities that have been severely affected, particularly those who are in peril or have suffered significant losses. The aim is to provide assistance to those who have been most impacted by the extreme weather conditions, in the form of financial aid and resources to aid in recovery efforts.
The funding provided by both state and federal governments will help in the repair and restoration of infrastructure in the affected areas, ensuring that essential services are reinstated and communities can begin to rebuild. The financial support will be crucial in assisting individuals and businesses in recovering from the devastation caused by the flooding. With the declaration of the flooding event as a natural disaster, the flow of funds will help to expedite recovery efforts and provide much-needed assistance to those who have been affected.
The declaration of the flooding event as a natural disaster signifies the severity of the situation and the need for immediate action to address the impact on communities. The allocation of funds to local government areas and individuals who have suffered losses will help in facilitating recovery efforts and ensuring that those affected receive the necessary support. The collaboration between state and federal governments in providing financial assistance underscores the commitment to supporting communities in times of crisis and helping them recover from the aftermath of natural disasters. This coordinated response aims to aid in the restoration and rebuilding of affected areas, ensuring that individuals and communities receive the help they need to move forward from the devastation.
