Latest news with #JanelleSaffin
The Advertiser
5 days ago
- General
- The Advertiser
Plan to reduce disaster risks for flood-prone communities
Disaster adaptation planning guidelines have been launched to establish a consistent and streamlined approach to reducing disaster risk across NSW. This will bring a more consistent state-wide approach to build safer and more resilient communities. Disaster Adaptation Plans (DAPs) are a legislative responsibility of the NSW Reconstruction Authority and a key feature of the first State Disaster Mitigation Plan (SDMP), released in February 2024. This comprehensive plan outlines how the rising costs of disasters can be addressed by investing in risk reduction. Work is already underway on the state's first DAPs in the Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley, focused on flood risk, and the Northern Rivers, to adapt for multiple hazards. Across the state, a further five regional organisations of councils have received funding for projects that enable early actions in adaptation planning. A DAP is a regional plan developed by the NSW Reconstruction Authority, working collaboratively with councils, communities and all government agencies to help reduce disaster risk and adapt to future hazards through long-term mitigation and adaptation actions. DAPs were also a key recommendation of the 2022 Independent Flood Inquiry, which called for effective and cross-government engagement to adapt to disaster risk across the state. Since July 2019, NSW has experienced 111 declared natural disasters, with more than 20,000 homes damaged in 2022 alone. The SDMP indicated that the annual cost of floods, fires and storms is projected to reach $9.1 billion by 2060, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive disaster adaptation planning. Each DAP assesses the unique geography and characteristics of the region to identify the most effective risk reduction measures for different natural hazards. The plans provide communities with a clear understanding of local risks and insights into how disasters impact people, homes, infrastructure, services and local economies. Extensive community and stakeholder engagement is central to DAP development, including the establishment of regional steering committees, community reference groups and integration of cultural knowledge from First Nations stakeholders. By preparing DAPs, communities will have a clear pipeline of projects that reduce risk. Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said, hundreds of thousands of residents live in high-risk areas across NSW. "This is why we are undertaking this vital work in developing regional DAPs, so communities are better prepared to respond to and recover from disasters," she said. "We're shifting the dial on how we prepare for and deal with disasters by working together with local government and community to identify a pathway for adaptation actions and resilience across the state. "We are empowering communities and organisations to adapt for future disasters and recover from them faster." NSW Reconstruction Authority CEO Mal Lanyon said the NSW Reconstruction Authority is the first organisation of its kind in NSW with the dual responsibility of both proactively reducing the impact of future disasters before they happen and responding when they do. "Years of unprecedented disasters have highlighted the need for NSW to meet the challenges of the future by working to reduce both the actual and social costs of natural hazards to our communities, which is why the NSW Government is investing in reducing risks before disasters occur to empower and better protect communities," he said. "The increasing risk of natural hazards puts mounting pressure on our emergency services staff and volunteers, who are on the line keeping communities safe. These DAPs will help to manage that risk by reducing the impact of disasters before they occur." Disaster adaptation planning guidelines have been launched to establish a consistent and streamlined approach to reducing disaster risk across NSW. This will bring a more consistent state-wide approach to build safer and more resilient communities. Disaster Adaptation Plans (DAPs) are a legislative responsibility of the NSW Reconstruction Authority and a key feature of the first State Disaster Mitigation Plan (SDMP), released in February 2024. This comprehensive plan outlines how the rising costs of disasters can be addressed by investing in risk reduction. Work is already underway on the state's first DAPs in the Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley, focused on flood risk, and the Northern Rivers, to adapt for multiple hazards. Across the state, a further five regional organisations of councils have received funding for projects that enable early actions in adaptation planning. A DAP is a regional plan developed by the NSW Reconstruction Authority, working collaboratively with councils, communities and all government agencies to help reduce disaster risk and adapt to future hazards through long-term mitigation and adaptation actions. DAPs were also a key recommendation of the 2022 Independent Flood Inquiry, which called for effective and cross-government engagement to adapt to disaster risk across the state. Since July 2019, NSW has experienced 111 declared natural disasters, with more than 20,000 homes damaged in 2022 alone. The SDMP indicated that the annual cost of floods, fires and storms is projected to reach $9.1 billion by 2060, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive disaster adaptation planning. Each DAP assesses the unique geography and characteristics of the region to identify the most effective risk reduction measures for different natural hazards. The plans provide communities with a clear understanding of local risks and insights into how disasters impact people, homes, infrastructure, services and local economies. Extensive community and stakeholder engagement is central to DAP development, including the establishment of regional steering committees, community reference groups and integration of cultural knowledge from First Nations stakeholders. By preparing DAPs, communities will have a clear pipeline of projects that reduce risk. Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said, hundreds of thousands of residents live in high-risk areas across NSW. "This is why we are undertaking this vital work in developing regional DAPs, so communities are better prepared to respond to and recover from disasters," she said. "We're shifting the dial on how we prepare for and deal with disasters by working together with local government and community to identify a pathway for adaptation actions and resilience across the state. "We are empowering communities and organisations to adapt for future disasters and recover from them faster." NSW Reconstruction Authority CEO Mal Lanyon said the NSW Reconstruction Authority is the first organisation of its kind in NSW with the dual responsibility of both proactively reducing the impact of future disasters before they happen and responding when they do. "Years of unprecedented disasters have highlighted the need for NSW to meet the challenges of the future by working to reduce both the actual and social costs of natural hazards to our communities, which is why the NSW Government is investing in reducing risks before disasters occur to empower and better protect communities," he said. "The increasing risk of natural hazards puts mounting pressure on our emergency services staff and volunteers, who are on the line keeping communities safe. These DAPs will help to manage that risk by reducing the impact of disasters before they occur." Disaster adaptation planning guidelines have been launched to establish a consistent and streamlined approach to reducing disaster risk across NSW. This will bring a more consistent state-wide approach to build safer and more resilient communities. Disaster Adaptation Plans (DAPs) are a legislative responsibility of the NSW Reconstruction Authority and a key feature of the first State Disaster Mitigation Plan (SDMP), released in February 2024. This comprehensive plan outlines how the rising costs of disasters can be addressed by investing in risk reduction. Work is already underway on the state's first DAPs in the Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley, focused on flood risk, and the Northern Rivers, to adapt for multiple hazards. Across the state, a further five regional organisations of councils have received funding for projects that enable early actions in adaptation planning. A DAP is a regional plan developed by the NSW Reconstruction Authority, working collaboratively with councils, communities and all government agencies to help reduce disaster risk and adapt to future hazards through long-term mitigation and adaptation actions. DAPs were also a key recommendation of the 2022 Independent Flood Inquiry, which called for effective and cross-government engagement to adapt to disaster risk across the state. Since July 2019, NSW has experienced 111 declared natural disasters, with more than 20,000 homes damaged in 2022 alone. The SDMP indicated that the annual cost of floods, fires and storms is projected to reach $9.1 billion by 2060, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive disaster adaptation planning. Each DAP assesses the unique geography and characteristics of the region to identify the most effective risk reduction measures for different natural hazards. The plans provide communities with a clear understanding of local risks and insights into how disasters impact people, homes, infrastructure, services and local economies. Extensive community and stakeholder engagement is central to DAP development, including the establishment of regional steering committees, community reference groups and integration of cultural knowledge from First Nations stakeholders. By preparing DAPs, communities will have a clear pipeline of projects that reduce risk. Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said, hundreds of thousands of residents live in high-risk areas across NSW. "This is why we are undertaking this vital work in developing regional DAPs, so communities are better prepared to respond to and recover from disasters," she said. "We're shifting the dial on how we prepare for and deal with disasters by working together with local government and community to identify a pathway for adaptation actions and resilience across the state. "We are empowering communities and organisations to adapt for future disasters and recover from them faster." NSW Reconstruction Authority CEO Mal Lanyon said the NSW Reconstruction Authority is the first organisation of its kind in NSW with the dual responsibility of both proactively reducing the impact of future disasters before they happen and responding when they do. "Years of unprecedented disasters have highlighted the need for NSW to meet the challenges of the future by working to reduce both the actual and social costs of natural hazards to our communities, which is why the NSW Government is investing in reducing risks before disasters occur to empower and better protect communities," he said. "The increasing risk of natural hazards puts mounting pressure on our emergency services staff and volunteers, who are on the line keeping communities safe. These DAPs will help to manage that risk by reducing the impact of disasters before they occur." Disaster adaptation planning guidelines have been launched to establish a consistent and streamlined approach to reducing disaster risk across NSW. This will bring a more consistent state-wide approach to build safer and more resilient communities. Disaster Adaptation Plans (DAPs) are a legislative responsibility of the NSW Reconstruction Authority and a key feature of the first State Disaster Mitigation Plan (SDMP), released in February 2024. This comprehensive plan outlines how the rising costs of disasters can be addressed by investing in risk reduction. Work is already underway on the state's first DAPs in the Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley, focused on flood risk, and the Northern Rivers, to adapt for multiple hazards. Across the state, a further five regional organisations of councils have received funding for projects that enable early actions in adaptation planning. A DAP is a regional plan developed by the NSW Reconstruction Authority, working collaboratively with councils, communities and all government agencies to help reduce disaster risk and adapt to future hazards through long-term mitigation and adaptation actions. DAPs were also a key recommendation of the 2022 Independent Flood Inquiry, which called for effective and cross-government engagement to adapt to disaster risk across the state. Since July 2019, NSW has experienced 111 declared natural disasters, with more than 20,000 homes damaged in 2022 alone. The SDMP indicated that the annual cost of floods, fires and storms is projected to reach $9.1 billion by 2060, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive disaster adaptation planning. Each DAP assesses the unique geography and characteristics of the region to identify the most effective risk reduction measures for different natural hazards. The plans provide communities with a clear understanding of local risks and insights into how disasters impact people, homes, infrastructure, services and local economies. Extensive community and stakeholder engagement is central to DAP development, including the establishment of regional steering committees, community reference groups and integration of cultural knowledge from First Nations stakeholders. By preparing DAPs, communities will have a clear pipeline of projects that reduce risk. Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said, hundreds of thousands of residents live in high-risk areas across NSW. "This is why we are undertaking this vital work in developing regional DAPs, so communities are better prepared to respond to and recover from disasters," she said. "We're shifting the dial on how we prepare for and deal with disasters by working together with local government and community to identify a pathway for adaptation actions and resilience across the state. "We are empowering communities and organisations to adapt for future disasters and recover from them faster." NSW Reconstruction Authority CEO Mal Lanyon said the NSW Reconstruction Authority is the first organisation of its kind in NSW with the dual responsibility of both proactively reducing the impact of future disasters before they happen and responding when they do. "Years of unprecedented disasters have highlighted the need for NSW to meet the challenges of the future by working to reduce both the actual and social costs of natural hazards to our communities, which is why the NSW Government is investing in reducing risks before disasters occur to empower and better protect communities," he said. "The increasing risk of natural hazards puts mounting pressure on our emergency services staff and volunteers, who are on the line keeping communities safe. These DAPs will help to manage that risk by reducing the impact of disasters before they occur."
The Advertiser
6 days ago
- Automotive
- The Advertiser
Milestone for major highway set to allow drivers to skip 12 traffic lights
A major milestone in the Coffs Harbour bypass has been reached with the 160-metre Roberts Hill tunnel, the third and final tunnel on the project, finished. The bypass will allow motorists on the notoriously congested Pacific Highway on the NSW North Coast to skip up to 12 sets of traffic lights, cutting 12 minutes off travel times. It can take up to an hour to get through this section of highway during the busy summer holiday periods. With three tunnels now broken through, work will shift to preparing them for traffic. Half a million tonnes of rock was removed during the massive excavation effort, using 280 tonnes of explosives across 570 controlled blasts. READ MORE: Amazon, NBN Co to bring low Earth orbit satellite service to regional Australia NSW Minister for the North Coast Janelle Saffin described it as a "magnificent" achievement. "As a long-time resident of the NSW North Coast region, I know what a difference this will make to those who call it home," she said. "I look forward to driving through each of these tunnels once the bypass is open." Federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King said the project had been a "long time coming". "When we were last in government, then Infrastructure Minister Anthony Albanese oversaw the construction of the Kempsey bypass and key road upgrades," she said. "It is fantastic to now see this project near completion." The bypass is expected to be open for traffic by late 2026. A major milestone in the Coffs Harbour bypass has been reached with the 160-metre Roberts Hill tunnel, the third and final tunnel on the project, finished. The bypass will allow motorists on the notoriously congested Pacific Highway on the NSW North Coast to skip up to 12 sets of traffic lights, cutting 12 minutes off travel times. It can take up to an hour to get through this section of highway during the busy summer holiday periods. With three tunnels now broken through, work will shift to preparing them for traffic. Half a million tonnes of rock was removed during the massive excavation effort, using 280 tonnes of explosives across 570 controlled blasts. READ MORE: Amazon, NBN Co to bring low Earth orbit satellite service to regional Australia NSW Minister for the North Coast Janelle Saffin described it as a "magnificent" achievement. "As a long-time resident of the NSW North Coast region, I know what a difference this will make to those who call it home," she said. "I look forward to driving through each of these tunnels once the bypass is open." Federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King said the project had been a "long time coming". "When we were last in government, then Infrastructure Minister Anthony Albanese oversaw the construction of the Kempsey bypass and key road upgrades," she said. "It is fantastic to now see this project near completion." The bypass is expected to be open for traffic by late 2026. A major milestone in the Coffs Harbour bypass has been reached with the 160-metre Roberts Hill tunnel, the third and final tunnel on the project, finished. The bypass will allow motorists on the notoriously congested Pacific Highway on the NSW North Coast to skip up to 12 sets of traffic lights, cutting 12 minutes off travel times. It can take up to an hour to get through this section of highway during the busy summer holiday periods. With three tunnels now broken through, work will shift to preparing them for traffic. Half a million tonnes of rock was removed during the massive excavation effort, using 280 tonnes of explosives across 570 controlled blasts. READ MORE: Amazon, NBN Co to bring low Earth orbit satellite service to regional Australia NSW Minister for the North Coast Janelle Saffin described it as a "magnificent" achievement. "As a long-time resident of the NSW North Coast region, I know what a difference this will make to those who call it home," she said. "I look forward to driving through each of these tunnels once the bypass is open." Federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King said the project had been a "long time coming". "When we were last in government, then Infrastructure Minister Anthony Albanese oversaw the construction of the Kempsey bypass and key road upgrades," she said. "It is fantastic to now see this project near completion." The bypass is expected to be open for traffic by late 2026. A major milestone in the Coffs Harbour bypass has been reached with the 160-metre Roberts Hill tunnel, the third and final tunnel on the project, finished. The bypass will allow motorists on the notoriously congested Pacific Highway on the NSW North Coast to skip up to 12 sets of traffic lights, cutting 12 minutes off travel times. It can take up to an hour to get through this section of highway during the busy summer holiday periods. With three tunnels now broken through, work will shift to preparing them for traffic. Half a million tonnes of rock was removed during the massive excavation effort, using 280 tonnes of explosives across 570 controlled blasts. READ MORE: Amazon, NBN Co to bring low Earth orbit satellite service to regional Australia NSW Minister for the North Coast Janelle Saffin described it as a "magnificent" achievement. "As a long-time resident of the NSW North Coast region, I know what a difference this will make to those who call it home," she said. "I look forward to driving through each of these tunnels once the bypass is open." Federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King said the project had been a "long time coming". "When we were last in government, then Infrastructure Minister Anthony Albanese oversaw the construction of the Kempsey bypass and key road upgrades," she said. "It is fantastic to now see this project near completion." The bypass is expected to be open for traffic by late 2026.
7NEWS
24-06-2025
- Business
- 7NEWS
Want a character country house for a few thousand dollars? Sign up to this auction
Looking for the ultimate fixer-upper bargain? Flood-affected houses in the NSW town of Lismore, near Byron Bay, are being sold by the government for relocation, and they're going to auction with no reserve. The release is part of a rolling buyback scheme to relocate and reuse flood-affected homes purchased through the Resilient Homes Program, which aims to remove unsafe homes from the floodplain and help create more affordable housing in the region. "There is no reserve price on any of these relocatable homes," said the NSW Relocation Authority website. "That means potentially anyone could purchase a buyback home for one dollar if there are no other bidders." Buyers also need to be aware that what they are buying is the house only, with the land not included. They also need to be prepared to come to the auction, which is being held at Lismore Heights Sports Club with a deposit of 50 per cent of the purchase price up to $1000, payable on the night on July 8. Nearly 20 houses have already been sold at auction the past week via PRD Northern Rivers, with a further 10 homes set for auction on July 8 through First National Wal Murray & Co. At the recent auctions, the cheapest buy reported was a home in Kyogle that sold for a mere $347, along with two in Lismore for $2,300 and $2,500. The most expensive sale went to a South Lismore weatherboard property that had been renovated since the 2022 floods and closed for $101,000. That property was complete with a brand-new kitchen with shaker-style cabinetry, as well as a new bathroom. The upcoming public auction on July 8 will offer 10 houses in a similar weatherboard style, such as 12 and 16 Simmons Street, North Lismore. Both timber homes have pitched rooflines, three bedrooms, decorative 10-foot ceilings, polished timber floors, ornate timber features, and stained-glass windows. First National Wal Murray & Co agent Cory Byrne has seen most of the relocatable homes sell between $6,000 and $100,000, and said it's a unique opportunity to grab a character house. "They're nice good for what they are. If people have got the blocks of land to move them on to, absolutely, it's a good opportunity." A range of 30 homes in total will have been on offer in the buyback program, from charming old timber homes to those needing more work to bring them back to their former glory. The houses have varying states of damage, which will obviously affect interest and price, but the program ensures that the beautiful character and heritage of these properties is preserved. Many homes feature front verandas, high ceilings, and traditional features like picture rails, French doors and ornate ceilings. "While we need to remove these homes from the floodplain and move people out of harm's way, we don't want the region to lose its character along the way," Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery Janelle Saffin said. "Many of these homes are made from timbers that are rare and very valuable. "To have them picked up, moved to a new location, spruced up and have a new family move in is a fantastic result for the whole community." While these prices will obviously attract first-home buyers, Mr Byrne said the program has been popular among existing landholders in the wider region. "We've been seeing interest mostly from landholders around the area, people that might have farms or a vacant block, who can put a second dwelling on [their land] without trying to build new," Mr Byrne said. For those worried about unforeseen financial surprises when fixing up the houses, Mr Byrne said that buyers will be given a full report of any property they're considering. What you are buying "All the homes come with a HAZMAT report that the RA has done, so anyone interested can contact us and get a copy of each of those for all the houses. "The report tells you if there's any asbestos, mould or anything else - it's all disclosed." Buyers should be aware there are extra fees to consider in the total purchase price. The RA estimates the average cost of relocation to sit between $80,000 and $140,000. However, buyers should also factor in design, approvals, compliance and site works. If successful, you'll have up to 12 months to relocate the home from the RA's land, and properties can only be moved to sites that are outside of the Priority 1, 2 and 3 zones according to RA Flood Prioritisation Maps. But if you're game to take on the challenge, this could be a rare opportunity to secure a character-filled home rich in stories and heritage for an incredibly low price. Three of the best Other finds from the 10 houses that are for auction on July 8 include the house at 177 Magellan Street, Lismore, which features a charming front verandah, high ceilings and tongue and groove internal walls. This three- bedroom house, currently located at 120 Laurel Avenue, Lismore features high decorated celings throughout, timber windows and french doors. A wide back verandah and polished timber floors throughout make this house situated currently at 25 Simmons Street, North Lismore a good buy.
Time of India
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Over 450 people danced at the showground dressed in purple and broke the world record
Kyogle Showground witnessed history on June 14, 2025. A new world record was set for the largest happy dance. 468 people danced to 'Dancing in the Street.' The event raised funds for a children's programme. Participants wore purple and danced with enthusiasm. The people who danced came kitted out in purple t-shirts, tutus, and sparkling wigs, and they were joined by State MP Janelle Saffin. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads The organisers of the World's Biggest Happy Dance were overjoyed and filled with excitement after they saw a world record being broken with 468 people shaking a leg to the song Dancing in the Street at Kyogle Showground on Saturday, June 14, 2025. According to independent news platform Australian Rural and Regional News, the previous record for a happy dance in Singapore was organisers, who were thrilled with the turnout, counted the amount of money raised to roll out a six-week programme in Kyogle schools called Growing Strong Kind Kids that teaches children about healthy people who danced came kitted out in purple t-shirts, tutus, and sparkling wigs, and they were joined by State MP Janelle Saffin. Richmond Valley mayor Robert Mustow also popped in. Some routines and acrobatics were performed by local dance groups, following which there was a conga line to warm everyone up for the world record-breaking Dancing on the Street blared from the speakers, they danced and smiled, and someone blew bubbles. Kyogle mayor and Danielle Mulholland, who was one of the organisers, expressed gratitude and thanked everyone who showed up, set up, packed up, and planned the event. 'We shone a light on a malignant issue (domestic violence) in our communities and gave a voice to those who may not be able to do so themselves,' she Olivia Taylor was the official record-keeper, and each person who entered the showground ring to dance was counted to confirm the attendance for the Guinness World Records
The Advertiser
21-05-2025
- Climate
- The Advertiser
NSW Hunter region declared natural disaster zone from flooding
The entire NSW Hunter region has been declared a nature disaster zone 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 and The entire NSW Hunter region has been declared a nature disaster zone 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 and The entire NSW Hunter region has been declared a nature disaster zone 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 and The entire NSW Hunter region has been declared a nature disaster zone 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 and
