NSW Governor, Margaret Beazley AC KC, has sent a message of support to councils currently being impacted by flooding across the Mid North Coast and Hunter regions of the state.
The letter, received by MidNorth Council and Kempsey Shire Council, states:
Dennis and I are deeply concerned about the impacts of the floods in Taree and the surrounding areas. I have been in touch with your mayor to receive an update and to express our support to her, the council and the courageous and wonderfully connected community of the Mid Coast area.
It was only in March that we visited to meet local people, community groups, support agencies and cultural organisations. At that time, there was relief in the community that Cyclone Alfred had been downgraded. However, with the current flooding, one of the most severe in your history, there is no possible sense of relief, with so many facing the loss of housing and livelihoods. I am also conscious that there is a challenging time of recovery and rebuilding ahead.
We acknowledge the grief, trauma and dislocation that these floods are causing and share our deepest condolences for the loss of life of one of your loved community members.
This is also a time to say thank you to the locals who have looked out for neighbours and vulnerable people and to the volunteers in our emergency services who have saved lives and property, and to all members of the community who are now working so hard to assist others in their time of need. You demonstrate what we saw firsthand when we were among you – that your community is one characterised by courage, compassion, endurance and kindness.
MidCoast Council Acting Mayor, Claire Pontin said the Council was hard at work to support the local community.
“Our community is going to need a lot of help and support to recover from this devastating event, and we are working closely with all Recovery agencies to get assistance as quickly as possible,” she said.
“Staff have been working with the Reconstruction Authority to ensure they have their staff on the ground as soon as possible.”
Meanwhile, in the Kempsey Shire, where flood waters are receding, emergency service agencies are gearing up to begin rapid damage assessments from tomorrow (Monday 26 May).
“The assessment crews will be on the ground to identify hazards, speak with local residents and take note of any requests for assistance. This work is an important step in planning and delivering the clean-up and recovery efforts over the coming weeks,” the Council said in a statement.
