BY IAN CROUCH
Two months on from a significant earthquake, Muswellbrook Shire Council is frustrated with the lack of support from the state government.
Council applied to have the 4.7 magnitude quake on August 23 declared a natural disaster, allowing residents to tap into support and make insurance claims easier.
However, the NSW Reconstruction Authority has knocked back the application saying the event didn't meet the criteria for an eligible disaster.
Many residents have also had insurance claims rejected, with insurance companies classifying the damage as pre-existing.
Mayor Jeff Drayton says Council is meeting with Emergency Services Minister, Jihad Dib to discuss the disaster declaration refusal and the responsibility insurance companies have to their clients.
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| Many homes and businesses suffered significant damage in the August Earthquake. Picture: Muswellbrook Chronicle |