NSW floods: More than 800 properties deemed ‘uninhabitable' as 6,500 damage assessments completed

Sky News AU

27-05-2025

Hundreds of properties have now been deemed 'uninhabitable' by the New South Wales State Emergency Service in the aftermath of deadly flooding that has caused devastation across the state.
The civil defence service is continuing to resupply communities isolated and assess areas damaged by last week's weather event that killed five people in flood-related tragedies.
Matt Heap from NSW SES told SkyNews.com.au on Tuesday that over 800 properties, which ranged from residential to industrial buildings, have already been deemed 'uninhabitable'.
The figure comes as about 6,500 property assessments have so far been completed.
NSW SES reported on Monday it had responded to 7,713 incidents during the disaster, which included 794 flood rescues.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Tuesday announced the activation of a one-off Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment across nine local government areas.
The payment, which is $1,000 to eligible adults and $400 to eligible children, will be made available from 2pm on Wednesday to people in certain areas.
Mr Albanese said the financial offering payment will assist locals who have "suffered the most serious impacts" of the floods, including incurring significant damage to their homes, serious injury or "loss of a loved one".
Meanwhile, the NSW government has opened a number of recovery centres in parts of the Hunter and Mid North Coast areas on Tuesday as floodwaters continue to subside.
The centres are offering services such as mental health support and insurance guidance to those affected in hard-hit communities including Taree, Port Macquarie, Kempsey, Macksville and Maitland.
NSW Minister for Recovery and Small Business Janelle Saffin said people are 'doing it tough' in those areas affected.
'We are going to be here the long haul, not just for the immediate clean-up, but for the months ahead as people begin to rebuild their lives,' she said in a statement.
'It's going to be a tough process but I want the community to know that we will be here with you.'