Recovery Efforts Underway Following Natural Disaster Declaration

Published on 11 June 2024

Wingecarribee Shire: Recovery Efforts Underway Following Natural Disaster Declaration

Heavy rainfall across New South Wales, including the Wingecarribee Shire, has significantly impacted our road network and led to another natural disaster declaration for our Shire, our 14^th since 2019.

We're working diligently to assess the damage and prioritise repairs. However, the extensive wet weather conditions from early June 2024 (over 45% above average rainfall) have caused widespread challenges.

Natural Disaster Assistance Available

Assistance is being provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA). The assistance for flood-affected residents and businesses in the Wingecarribee Shire may include:

• Help for eligible people whose homes or belongings have been damaged (eligibility criteria apply).
• 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.
• Freight subsidies for primary producers to help transport livestock and fodder.

• This assistance may also include support for affected local councils to help with the costs of cleaning up and restoring damaged essential public assets.

  Community Resources

• NSW Emergency Website – Provides information on financial assistance, replacing lost documents, and other recovery support: https://www.nsw.gov.au/emergency/recover
• NSW Rural Assistance Authority (1800 678 593) – Offers concessional loans and grants for primary producers: https://www.raa.nsw.got.au/disaster-assistance
• Australian Government Disaster Assist Website – Provides further information on disaster assistance: https://www.disasterassist.gov.au/

Road Network Impacted

The recent wet weather has significantly impacted roads across the Shire. Drivers are urged to exercise caution and be aware of potential hazards. Wingecarribee Shire Council will continue to provide updates on road closures and repairs through Council’s website and Facebook Page.