Disaster support extended

across the Central Coast

The Commonwealth and NSW Governments are extending critical disaster support across the Central Coast, with the announcement of disaster relief funding and the extension of the waste levy waiver across the Central Coast Local Government Area.

24 April 2024

 

THE assistance measures are being provided by the Albanese and Minns Governments through the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

 

Following recent heavy rainfall and flooding, disaster assistance has been extended to include the Central Coast local government area, with support including:

 

• Assistance for eligible residents to help meet immediate needs like accommodation or small cash payments to purchase essential items.

 

• Grants for eligible residents to replace lost essential household items.

 

• Grants to undertake essential structural repairs to homes.

 

• 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 property.

 

Acting NSW Minister for Emergency Services Penny Sharpe said the extension of this Natural Disaster Declaration demonstrates the NSW Government’s commitment to adapt as the full extent of the impacts are known.

 

Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch said “As the flood waters recede and storm impacts continue to be discovered, the Commonwealth and NSW Governments are focused on working together to ensure that support is in place for our community to recover.

 

“The effects of this storm event are widespread and varied, unique to each community member and it is so important that support is available that recognises the diversity of the impact felt by our community.

 

“Thank you to our SES volunteers and community, who have come together to protect our community in such a difficult time. We see again and again, that when our community is in crisis, our community comes together to tackle the challenges that we face. I encourage anyone in need across the Central Coast to reach out to my office for support as clean-up efforts continue.”

 

Residents across the Central Coast can also now dispose of flood-affected items at landfill sites without incurring the waste levy fee thanks to NSW Government exemptions, providing much needed relief for residents cleaning up following recent heavy rainfall and flooding.

 

Lifting the fee aims to expedite the recovery process and ease financial burdens on impacted households and businesses.

 

Residents will not be charged the waste levy fee to get rid of flood-generated waste until 30 June 2024, although local landfill gates may apply. The exemption covers waste on public and private land, including damaged building materials, furniture, carpet, gardening debris and other flood-related products.

 

Member for Robertson, Gordon Reid said “I welcome the announcement by the Commonwealth and NSW Governments that the Central Coast Local Government Area will be eligible for critical disaster support.

 

“Our region has experienced heavy rainfall that has caused flooding and damage to households and properties.

 

“This support will help those affected by recent weather events.”

 

To apply for disaster relief support, community members are encouraged to visit Financial support after a natural disaster.