Despite significant flood damage, Port Stephens is still yet to be declared a natural disaster zone.
Fifty-eight LGAs across NSW have already been given the title as a result of severe weather since the 22nd of February.
Among the already-declared LGAs are Newcastle, Maitland, Cessnock, Dungog, Singleton, the Central Coast, and the MidCoast.
Port Stephens MP Kate Washington says despite being hit by the same weather system, Port Stephens is being overlooked by the state government.
"We've had large areas underwater for some time. The town of Hinton is entirely cut off, we've had a number of residences in Raymond Terrace affected, and a lot of farms out west were affected," she said.
Ms Washington confirmed Port Stephens Council had submitted an application to be considered for the declaration, and said she had personally spoken to NSW Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience, and Minister for Flood Recovery, Steph Cooke, urging her to include the LGA.
However, it is understood extensive damage assessments are not possible due to the level of flood water remaining.
Ms Washington said residents should not have to wait for the water to subside for the damage to be assessed and a declaration to be made.
"The damage is obvious. We have got water inundating large tracks of land, and there is a natural disaster declared on the other side of the river."
A NSW Resilience spokeswoman revealed when the other Hunter LGAs had been added, the government was not aware Port Stephens had been affected.
The spokeswoman also confirmed Port Stephens was now being considered for a natural disaster declaration.
The declaration would give the LGA access to concessional loans and grants.
"Port Stephens should urgently be declared a natural disaster zone so that residents can access some financial assistance," Ms Washington said.
 |
| Image: Port Stephens SES Facebook Page |
