
Hunter, Mid North Coast floods declared natural disaster zones
The entire Hunter region and Mid North Coast have been declared natural disaster zones by the state and federal governments, unlocking rapid assistance for those affected.
Seven local government areas received the declaration, including Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Port Stephens, Maitland, Singleton, Cessnock and Upper Hunter
The Central Coast and the Mid North Coast LGAs have also been declare disaster zones, including Dungog, Kempsey, Mid Coast, Bellingen, Clarence Valley, Coffs Harbour, Nambucca, Port Macquarie,
Support has been made available under the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
Assistance measures that may be provided to communities include:
NSW Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said the NSW government was activating a range of basic support to assist flood impacted communities and councils
"We know this is a challenging time for people in many parts of NSW, and we are rolling out these support measures so communities can begin the clean-up and recovery process as soon as possible," Ms Saffin.
"We are still in the response phase but the NSW Reconstruction Authority is working closely with the State Emergency Service and partner agencies to ensure a smooth transition to recovery and the delivery of targeted support for our affected communities."
Federal Emergency Management Minister Kristy McBain said the floods were "having a huge impact on communities across the Hunter".
"From emergency accommodation, to support for small businesses and councils to repair damages - we're ensuring support is available during this event and as communities turn their focus to recovery," Ms McBain said.
More information on disaster assistance can be found at nsw.gov.au/emergency/recovery and disasterassist.gov.au.
The entire Hunter region and Mid North Coast have been declared natural disaster zones by the state and federal governments, unlocking rapid assistance for those affected.
Seven local government areas received the declaration, including Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Port Stephens, Maitland, Singleton, Cessnock and Upper Hunter
The Central Coast and the Mid North Coast LGAs have also been declare disaster zones, including Dungog, Kempsey, Mid Coast, Bellingen, Clarence Valley, Coffs Harbour, Nambucca, Port Macquarie,
Support has been made available under the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
Assistance measures that may be provided to communities include:
NSW Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said the NSW government was activating a range of basic support to assist flood impacted communities and councils
"We know this is a challenging time for people in many parts of NSW, and we are rolling out these support measures so communities can begin the clean-up and recovery process as soon as possible," Ms Saffin.
"We are still in the response phase but the NSW Reconstruction Authority is working closely with the State Emergency Service and partner agencies to ensure a smooth transition to recovery and the delivery of targeted support for our affected communities."
Federal Emergency Management Minister Kristy McBain said the floods were "having a huge impact on communities across the Hunter".
"From emergency accommodation, to support for small businesses and councils to repair damages - we're ensuring support is available during this event and as communities turn their focus to recovery," Ms McBain said.
More information on disaster assistance can be found at nsw.gov.au/emergency/recovery and disasterassist.gov.au.
The entire Hunter region and Mid North Coast have been declared natural disaster zones by the state and federal governments, unlocking rapid assistance for those affected.
Seven local government areas received the declaration, including Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Port Stephens, Maitland, Singleton, Cessnock and Upper Hunter
The Central Coast and the Mid North Coast LGAs have also been declare disaster zones, including Dungog, Kempsey, Mid Coast, Bellingen, Clarence Valley, Coffs Harbour, Nambucca, Port Macquarie,
Support has been made available under the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
Assistance measures that may be provided to communities include:
NSW Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said the NSW government was activating a range of basic support to assist flood impacted communities and councils
"We know this is a challenging time for people in many parts of NSW, and we are rolling out these support measures so communities can begin the clean-up and recovery process as soon as possible," Ms Saffin.
"We are still in the response phase but the NSW Reconstruction Authority is working closely with the State Emergency Service and partner agencies to ensure a smooth transition to recovery and the delivery of targeted support for our affected communities."
Federal Emergency Management Minister Kristy McBain said the floods were "having a huge impact on communities across the Hunter".
"From emergency accommodation, to support for small businesses and councils to repair damages - we're ensuring support is available during this event and as communities turn their focus to recovery," Ms McBain said.
More information on disaster assistance can be found at nsw.gov.au/emergency/recovery and disasterassist.gov.au.
The entire Hunter region and Mid North Coast have been declared natural disaster zones by the state and federal governments, unlocking rapid assistance for those affected.
Seven local government areas received the declaration, including Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Port Stephens, Maitland, Singleton, Cessnock and Upper Hunter
The Central Coast and the Mid North Coast LGAs have also been declare disaster zones, including Dungog, Kempsey, Mid Coast, Bellingen, Clarence Valley, Coffs Harbour, Nambucca, Port Macquarie,
Support has been made available under the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
Assistance measures that may be provided to communities include:
NSW Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said the NSW government was activating a range of basic support to assist flood impacted communities and councils
"We know this is a challenging time for people in many parts of NSW, and we are rolling out these support measures so communities can begin the clean-up and recovery process as soon as possible," Ms Saffin.
"We are still in the response phase but the NSW Reconstruction Authority is working closely with the State Emergency Service and partner agencies to ensure a smooth transition to recovery and the delivery of targeted support for our affected communities."
Federal Emergency Management Minister Kristy McBain said the floods were "having a huge impact on communities across the Hunter".
"From emergency accommodation, to support for small businesses and councils to repair damages - we're ensuring support is available during this event and as communities turn their focus to recovery," Ms McBain said.
More information on disaster assistance can be found at nsw.gov.au/emergency/recovery and disasterassist.gov.au.
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The Advertiser
a day ago
- The Advertiser
Waterspout appears over Anna Bay in day of rotten weather in the Hunter
Residents of Port Stephens captured a waterspout over Anna Bay on Wednesday afternoon, as the grey and cold weather blanketed much of the region. Temperatures dropped on Wednesday as a cold front moved offshore, pushed by a high-pressure system drifting across the state. This brought showers to an already sodden region. Partly cloudy conditions dominated much of the forecast for the remainder of the work week, with a return to mostly sunny conditions on Saturday, but not before dangerous and powerful surf conditions battered the coast and the Upper Hunter braced for one of the first flushes of frost for the season. Newcastle was in line for a shower or two on Thursday, most likely in the morning, forecasters said, as a surf warning remained in effect until Friday, when conditions were expected to ease. The uncommon waterspout at Anna Bay was captured by residents, who posted photos and videos on social media. The phenomenon is typically caused when wind blowing in contrary directions meet, creating a twisting action along the convergence line. The result forces air upwards, carrying water with it, and can result in localised heavy showers as it passes. It is not uncommon to see multiple spouts drifting in a line across the horizon, forecasters say, as the converging edge of the two wind gusts causes the air to twist at several points. The return to rain at the weekend came with a sense of trepidation as residents across the region and the Mid-North Coast recovered from widespread flooding last month. It comes as the state and federal governments expand disaster relief grants and funding this week, dating back to Tropical Cyclone Alfred in February. During question time in the NSW Parliament on Wednesday, Premier Chris Minns, said the state and its federal counterpart were providing a slew of relief funds, including disaster recovery grants, hardship payments up to $900 for families, income support payments, one-off federal government disaster payments, and support for councils, emergency services and roads and infrastructure recovery. "I genuinely do accept that this is a start," Mr Minns told the Parliament. "We need to do this in conjunction with the Commonwealth government. It needs to be 50-50, payments." "This shouldn't come down to dollars and cents, but I need to make sure that this is sustainable." "In the period between 2019 and today, we've spent more than $6 billion, and we wouldn't take any of that money back. It's absolutely essential that we spend it. But it needs to be done in a consistent way because the truth of the matter is, I can't guarantee there's not another one of these disasters next week, next month, next year." Residents of Port Stephens captured a waterspout over Anna Bay on Wednesday afternoon, as the grey and cold weather blanketed much of the region. Temperatures dropped on Wednesday as a cold front moved offshore, pushed by a high-pressure system drifting across the state. This brought showers to an already sodden region. Partly cloudy conditions dominated much of the forecast for the remainder of the work week, with a return to mostly sunny conditions on Saturday, but not before dangerous and powerful surf conditions battered the coast and the Upper Hunter braced for one of the first flushes of frost for the season. Newcastle was in line for a shower or two on Thursday, most likely in the morning, forecasters said, as a surf warning remained in effect until Friday, when conditions were expected to ease. The uncommon waterspout at Anna Bay was captured by residents, who posted photos and videos on social media. The phenomenon is typically caused when wind blowing in contrary directions meet, creating a twisting action along the convergence line. The result forces air upwards, carrying water with it, and can result in localised heavy showers as it passes. It is not uncommon to see multiple spouts drifting in a line across the horizon, forecasters say, as the converging edge of the two wind gusts causes the air to twist at several points. The return to rain at the weekend came with a sense of trepidation as residents across the region and the Mid-North Coast recovered from widespread flooding last month. It comes as the state and federal governments expand disaster relief grants and funding this week, dating back to Tropical Cyclone Alfred in February. During question time in the NSW Parliament on Wednesday, Premier Chris Minns, said the state and its federal counterpart were providing a slew of relief funds, including disaster recovery grants, hardship payments up to $900 for families, income support payments, one-off federal government disaster payments, and support for councils, emergency services and roads and infrastructure recovery. "I genuinely do accept that this is a start," Mr Minns told the Parliament. "We need to do this in conjunction with the Commonwealth government. It needs to be 50-50, payments." "This shouldn't come down to dollars and cents, but I need to make sure that this is sustainable." "In the period between 2019 and today, we've spent more than $6 billion, and we wouldn't take any of that money back. It's absolutely essential that we spend it. But it needs to be done in a consistent way because the truth of the matter is, I can't guarantee there's not another one of these disasters next week, next month, next year." Residents of Port Stephens captured a waterspout over Anna Bay on Wednesday afternoon, as the grey and cold weather blanketed much of the region. Temperatures dropped on Wednesday as a cold front moved offshore, pushed by a high-pressure system drifting across the state. This brought showers to an already sodden region. Partly cloudy conditions dominated much of the forecast for the remainder of the work week, with a return to mostly sunny conditions on Saturday, but not before dangerous and powerful surf conditions battered the coast and the Upper Hunter braced for one of the first flushes of frost for the season. Newcastle was in line for a shower or two on Thursday, most likely in the morning, forecasters said, as a surf warning remained in effect until Friday, when conditions were expected to ease. The uncommon waterspout at Anna Bay was captured by residents, who posted photos and videos on social media. The phenomenon is typically caused when wind blowing in contrary directions meet, creating a twisting action along the convergence line. The result forces air upwards, carrying water with it, and can result in localised heavy showers as it passes. It is not uncommon to see multiple spouts drifting in a line across the horizon, forecasters say, as the converging edge of the two wind gusts causes the air to twist at several points. The return to rain at the weekend came with a sense of trepidation as residents across the region and the Mid-North Coast recovered from widespread flooding last month. It comes as the state and federal governments expand disaster relief grants and funding this week, dating back to Tropical Cyclone Alfred in February. During question time in the NSW Parliament on Wednesday, Premier Chris Minns, said the state and its federal counterpart were providing a slew of relief funds, including disaster recovery grants, hardship payments up to $900 for families, income support payments, one-off federal government disaster payments, and support for councils, emergency services and roads and infrastructure recovery. "I genuinely do accept that this is a start," Mr Minns told the Parliament. "We need to do this in conjunction with the Commonwealth government. It needs to be 50-50, payments." "This shouldn't come down to dollars and cents, but I need to make sure that this is sustainable." "In the period between 2019 and today, we've spent more than $6 billion, and we wouldn't take any of that money back. It's absolutely essential that we spend it. But it needs to be done in a consistent way because the truth of the matter is, I can't guarantee there's not another one of these disasters next week, next month, next year." Residents of Port Stephens captured a waterspout over Anna Bay on Wednesday afternoon, as the grey and cold weather blanketed much of the region. Temperatures dropped on Wednesday as a cold front moved offshore, pushed by a high-pressure system drifting across the state. This brought showers to an already sodden region. Partly cloudy conditions dominated much of the forecast for the remainder of the work week, with a return to mostly sunny conditions on Saturday, but not before dangerous and powerful surf conditions battered the coast and the Upper Hunter braced for one of the first flushes of frost for the season. Newcastle was in line for a shower or two on Thursday, most likely in the morning, forecasters said, as a surf warning remained in effect until Friday, when conditions were expected to ease. The uncommon waterspout at Anna Bay was captured by residents, who posted photos and videos on social media. The phenomenon is typically caused when wind blowing in contrary directions meet, creating a twisting action along the convergence line. The result forces air upwards, carrying water with it, and can result in localised heavy showers as it passes. It is not uncommon to see multiple spouts drifting in a line across the horizon, forecasters say, as the converging edge of the two wind gusts causes the air to twist at several points. The return to rain at the weekend came with a sense of trepidation as residents across the region and the Mid-North Coast recovered from widespread flooding last month. It comes as the state and federal governments expand disaster relief grants and funding this week, dating back to Tropical Cyclone Alfred in February. During question time in the NSW Parliament on Wednesday, Premier Chris Minns, said the state and its federal counterpart were providing a slew of relief funds, including disaster recovery grants, hardship payments up to $900 for families, income support payments, one-off federal government disaster payments, and support for councils, emergency services and roads and infrastructure recovery. "I genuinely do accept that this is a start," Mr Minns told the Parliament. "We need to do this in conjunction with the Commonwealth government. It needs to be 50-50, payments." "This shouldn't come down to dollars and cents, but I need to make sure that this is sustainable." "In the period between 2019 and today, we've spent more than $6 billion, and we wouldn't take any of that money back. It's absolutely essential that we spend it. But it needs to be done in a consistent way because the truth of the matter is, I can't guarantee there's not another one of these disasters next week, next month, next year."


West Australian
6 days ago
- West Australian
Households warned to prepare as severe weather predicted for WA Day weekend
Emergency Services Minister Paul Papalia has warned 'winter is coming' as he urged households to prepare for Perth's first major storm of the season due to hit on WA Day. Authorities are asking residents to prepare their homes to reduce the likelihood of storm related damage as flocks of families travel to the regions to celebrate the long weekend. Bureau of Meteorology senior meteorologist Gianni Colangelo said the wild weather was set to begin on WA Day on Monday. Up to 25mm of rain is forecast on Monday, while up to 60mm is predicted over the following two days. 'We're able to identify the first large cold front of the season is upon us, set to arrive on Monday at the end of the long weekend coming,' Mr Colangelo said. 'It's cold fronts like these and others throughout the season that often deliver areas of severe weather. 'Severe weather that we see every winter season, damaging gale force winds, sometimes destructive, heavy rainfall, flash flooding, abnormally high tides and damaging surf.' Mr Papalia said it was up to West Australians to prepare themselves for the weather ahead. 'Winter is coming, that's the message we're delivering today to all Western Australians, particularly here in the southwest,' he said. 'The stormy winter weather is about upon us and it's time that we all took time to prepare ourselves, prepare your homes, do what you can to make the job of our State Emergency Service and other volunteers a lot easier.' DFES responded to more than 1000 calls for assistance between June and October last year, the majority of calls related to roof and structural damage, fallen trees and water ingress in homes. According to the emergency service, crews spent an average of 3.5 hours at properties for damage which could have likely been prevented. To prevent unnecessary damage residents should clean gutters and downpipes, remove overhanging branches as well as secure trampolines, furniture and bins which could become airborne in strong winds. DFES deputy commissioner Craig Waters said it was easy to be complacent after an especially long summer. 'We're just asking the community not to be complacent and to ensure that they're well prepared that both their property and their family are prepared for the coming storm season,' he said. 'People can often get caught off guard in relation to the change of seasons and we often see the most destructive weather coming in those first couple of cold fronts as part of the winter months.' Residents are reminded to stay up to date with the latest warnings using the Emergency WA website and app. In the case of serious damage to your home which is urgent, you should call the SES on 132 500 or call triple zero (000) in the case of a life-threatening emergency. SATURDAY: 22C, showers and chance of storms SUNDAY: 22C, showers MONDAY: 22C, showers and chance of storms TUESDAY: 20C, showers and chance of storms WEDNESDAY: 20C, high chance of showers


The Advertiser
28-05-2025
- The Advertiser
Thousands still stranded as flood recovery ramps up
Rescuers have saved horses and helped paramedics reach isolated patients as the recovery effort continues after record-breaking floods that killed five people. More than 1000 buildings have been declared uninhabitable amid promises for further government assistance. About 3500 people remain isolated along the NSW mid-north coast, despite waters receding in recent days. Premier Chris Minns and Emergency Services Minister Jihad Dib returned to flood-hit communities between Port Macquarie and Taree on Wednesday, meeting with volunteers and affected farmers and businesses. "This flood emergency is not yet over," Mr Dib earlier told parliament. More than 800 flood rescues have been conducted throughout the event, including a further nine rescues up to 5am on Wednesday, the State Emergency Service said. Three of them were to rescue horses, as well as helping ambulance officers reach a patient through floodwaters. The rescues took place around the Hunter region and in Tamworth on the northern tablelands. Resupply operations continue for isolated communities, while others have been working through the clean up, NSW SES Assistant Commissioner Colin Malone said. "We have teams on the ground and are working closely with recovery partners to provide support and assistance through a range of measures over the coming days," he said. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visited Taree on Tuesday. The visits come as communities impacted by the flooding, which claimed five lives, wait for an upgrade in the disaster response to trigger further grants. Federal funds have been made available for severely affected communities and sectors including clean up and recovery grants for small businesses and primary producers and a community recovery fund. "Recovery is going to take time," Federal Emergency Services Minister Kristy McBain said. "We will be there for the long haul." Disaster recovery payments up to $1000 for eligible adults and $400 for eligible children, on top of personal hardship payments up to $900 per family have also been pledged. Up to 13 weeks' income support will be available and primary producers can access concessional loans and freight subsidies. The ongoing clean up, with the help of some 70 army personnel on the ground and thousands of volunteers as well as state agencies, has collected more than 10,000 cubic metres of waste. More than 9200 damage assessments have taken place, with about 2000 to go. Many of the more than 1000 buildings deemed uninhabitable may only be so for the short term. "In some of those cases, it's just flooding over the floorboards, or minor damage," Mr Dib said. "It doesn't mean that they're uninhabitable completely." About 30 homes need "serious work" or are beyond repair. Volunteers are carrying the load of the day-to-day recovery as communities count the cost of the floods. One person was charged with looting offences after allegedly stealing tools, paintings, family photos, DVDs and other personal items in Wingham. Rescuers have saved horses and helped paramedics reach isolated patients as the recovery effort continues after record-breaking floods that killed five people. More than 1000 buildings have been declared uninhabitable amid promises for further government assistance. About 3500 people remain isolated along the NSW mid-north coast, despite waters receding in recent days. Premier Chris Minns and Emergency Services Minister Jihad Dib returned to flood-hit communities between Port Macquarie and Taree on Wednesday, meeting with volunteers and affected farmers and businesses. "This flood emergency is not yet over," Mr Dib earlier told parliament. More than 800 flood rescues have been conducted throughout the event, including a further nine rescues up to 5am on Wednesday, the State Emergency Service said. Three of them were to rescue horses, as well as helping ambulance officers reach a patient through floodwaters. The rescues took place around the Hunter region and in Tamworth on the northern tablelands. Resupply operations continue for isolated communities, while others have been working through the clean up, NSW SES Assistant Commissioner Colin Malone said. "We have teams on the ground and are working closely with recovery partners to provide support and assistance through a range of measures over the coming days," he said. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visited Taree on Tuesday. The visits come as communities impacted by the flooding, which claimed five lives, wait for an upgrade in the disaster response to trigger further grants. Federal funds have been made available for severely affected communities and sectors including clean up and recovery grants for small businesses and primary producers and a community recovery fund. "Recovery is going to take time," Federal Emergency Services Minister Kristy McBain said. "We will be there for the long haul." Disaster recovery payments up to $1000 for eligible adults and $400 for eligible children, on top of personal hardship payments up to $900 per family have also been pledged. Up to 13 weeks' income support will be available and primary producers can access concessional loans and freight subsidies. The ongoing clean up, with the help of some 70 army personnel on the ground and thousands of volunteers as well as state agencies, has collected more than 10,000 cubic metres of waste. More than 9200 damage assessments have taken place, with about 2000 to go. Many of the more than 1000 buildings deemed uninhabitable may only be so for the short term. "In some of those cases, it's just flooding over the floorboards, or minor damage," Mr Dib said. "It doesn't mean that they're uninhabitable completely." About 30 homes need "serious work" or are beyond repair. Volunteers are carrying the load of the day-to-day recovery as communities count the cost of the floods. One person was charged with looting offences after allegedly stealing tools, paintings, family photos, DVDs and other personal items in Wingham. Rescuers have saved horses and helped paramedics reach isolated patients as the recovery effort continues after record-breaking floods that killed five people. More than 1000 buildings have been declared uninhabitable amid promises for further government assistance. About 3500 people remain isolated along the NSW mid-north coast, despite waters receding in recent days. Premier Chris Minns and Emergency Services Minister Jihad Dib returned to flood-hit communities between Port Macquarie and Taree on Wednesday, meeting with volunteers and affected farmers and businesses. "This flood emergency is not yet over," Mr Dib earlier told parliament. More than 800 flood rescues have been conducted throughout the event, including a further nine rescues up to 5am on Wednesday, the State Emergency Service said. Three of them were to rescue horses, as well as helping ambulance officers reach a patient through floodwaters. The rescues took place around the Hunter region and in Tamworth on the northern tablelands. Resupply operations continue for isolated communities, while others have been working through the clean up, NSW SES Assistant Commissioner Colin Malone said. "We have teams on the ground and are working closely with recovery partners to provide support and assistance through a range of measures over the coming days," he said. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visited Taree on Tuesday. The visits come as communities impacted by the flooding, which claimed five lives, wait for an upgrade in the disaster response to trigger further grants. Federal funds have been made available for severely affected communities and sectors including clean up and recovery grants for small businesses and primary producers and a community recovery fund. "Recovery is going to take time," Federal Emergency Services Minister Kristy McBain said. "We will be there for the long haul." Disaster recovery payments up to $1000 for eligible adults and $400 for eligible children, on top of personal hardship payments up to $900 per family have also been pledged. Up to 13 weeks' income support will be available and primary producers can access concessional loans and freight subsidies. The ongoing clean up, with the help of some 70 army personnel on the ground and thousands of volunteers as well as state agencies, has collected more than 10,000 cubic metres of waste. More than 9200 damage assessments have taken place, with about 2000 to go. Many of the more than 1000 buildings deemed uninhabitable may only be so for the short term. "In some of those cases, it's just flooding over the floorboards, or minor damage," Mr Dib said. "It doesn't mean that they're uninhabitable completely." About 30 homes need "serious work" or are beyond repair. Volunteers are carrying the load of the day-to-day recovery as communities count the cost of the floods. One person was charged with looting offences after allegedly stealing tools, paintings, family photos, DVDs and other personal items in Wingham. Rescuers have saved horses and helped paramedics reach isolated patients as the recovery effort continues after record-breaking floods that killed five people. More than 1000 buildings have been declared uninhabitable amid promises for further government assistance. About 3500 people remain isolated along the NSW mid-north coast, despite waters receding in recent days. Premier Chris Minns and Emergency Services Minister Jihad Dib returned to flood-hit communities between Port Macquarie and Taree on Wednesday, meeting with volunteers and affected farmers and businesses. "This flood emergency is not yet over," Mr Dib earlier told parliament. More than 800 flood rescues have been conducted throughout the event, including a further nine rescues up to 5am on Wednesday, the State Emergency Service said. Three of them were to rescue horses, as well as helping ambulance officers reach a patient through floodwaters. The rescues took place around the Hunter region and in Tamworth on the northern tablelands. Resupply operations continue for isolated communities, while others have been working through the clean up, NSW SES Assistant Commissioner Colin Malone said. "We have teams on the ground and are working closely with recovery partners to provide support and assistance through a range of measures over the coming days," he said. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visited Taree on Tuesday. The visits come as communities impacted by the flooding, which claimed five lives, wait for an upgrade in the disaster response to trigger further grants. Federal funds have been made available for severely affected communities and sectors including clean up and recovery grants for small businesses and primary producers and a community recovery fund. "Recovery is going to take time," Federal Emergency Services Minister Kristy McBain said. "We will be there for the long haul." Disaster recovery payments up to $1000 for eligible adults and $400 for eligible children, on top of personal hardship payments up to $900 per family have also been pledged. Up to 13 weeks' income support will be available and primary producers can access concessional loans and freight subsidies. The ongoing clean up, with the help of some 70 army personnel on the ground and thousands of volunteers as well as state agencies, has collected more than 10,000 cubic metres of waste. More than 9200 damage assessments have taken place, with about 2000 to go. Many of the more than 1000 buildings deemed uninhabitable may only be so for the short term. "In some of those cases, it's just flooding over the floorboards, or minor damage," Mr Dib said. "It doesn't mean that they're uninhabitable completely." About 30 homes need "serious work" or are beyond repair. Volunteers are carrying the load of the day-to-day recovery as communities count the cost of the floods. One person was charged with looting offences after allegedly stealing tools, paintings, family photos, DVDs and other personal items in Wingham.