Cessnock Declared Natural Disaster Area

 BY IAN CROUCH

The federal government has declared a natural disaster in the Cessnock Local Government Area as the flood emergency continues.

It's one of 23 local government areas in Sydney and NSW where the declaration has been made including the Central Coast.

The declaration clears the way for joint Commonwealth-State assistance to become available under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

It means immediate assistance is available to eligible residents whose home and belongings have been damaged by storms and floods since June 27.

Cessnock Council can also receive help with the cost of cleaning up and restoring damaged roads and essential public assets.

Small businesses, primary producers and non-profit organisations are eligible for concessional loans and freight subsidies.

Meanwhile,the SES says major flooding is likely at Bulga due to significant river rises along the Wollombi Brook.

Minor flooding is expected along the Lower Hunter River at Singleton and Maitland along with the Paterson River at Gostwick.

 

Hunter and Central Coast Declared Natural Disaster Zones

BY IAN CROUCH

The state and federal governments have declared the Hunter a Natural Disaster Area following torrential rain and flooding last weekend.

It means Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Cessnock, Port Stephens and Central Coast councils are now eligible for assistance to cover the costs associated with the operational response to the extreme weather event as well as the cost of repairing damaged essential public assets such as roads.

Newcastle Lord Mayor, Nuatali Nelmes is welcoming the announcement saying it will help council with the cost of cleaning up and restoring public assets at Stockton.

Federal Emergency Management Minister, David Littleproud says assistance may also available for people whose homes or belongings have been damaged.

Low-interest loans are also available for small businesses, primary producers and non-profit organisations.

Stockton beachside cabins at risk of toppling into the sea due to heavy erosion are removed Picture: theherald.com.au

Stockton In Line To Be Declared Natural Disaster Zone

BY IAN CROUCH

Newcastle Council has applied to the State Government to have Stockton declared a Natural Disaster Zone.

Hundreds of tonnes of sand have been stripped away from the already badly eroded foreshore in the wake of torrential rain and huge tides at the weekend.

It's left three holiday cabins at the Stockton Caravan Park teetering on the edge of the sand precipice and in danger of toppling into the sea.

An emergency operation to remove the cabins will get under way this morning.

A spokesman for Emergency Services Minister, David Elliott says Stockton is one of several areas being assessed following the weekend's extreme weather.

Holiday cabins at risk of toppling into the sea at Stockton Picture: theherald.com.au