Disaster Relief And Recovery Efforts Underway
A coordinated transition from flood response to recovery is continuing across the region with additional resources from SES, emergency services and support agencies now deployed to assist with the clean-up.
Port Macquarie Hastings Council is prioritising the removal of resident flood-damaged waste, monitoring and assessing our road network and enacting a widespread sweep of key public assets to remove flood debris. Waterways, beaches, parks, reserves, and sports fields will be progressively cleaned, and locations prioritised according to the severity of debris and waste deposited.
Our dedicated kerbside flood-waste collections will continue throughout next week. A recovery centre is now open at the PCYC, until Sunday, and a dedicated assistance line has been set up (02 6581 8444) for enquiries relating to this severe weather event. A flood Recovery Hub is also live on our website; After an emergency Port Macquarie Hastings Council
As we have been declared a natural disaster area, individuals and businesses are also able to claim financial assistance for flood-related loss.
Port Macquarie Mayor Adam Roberts praised the multi-level response to this event from governments, the SES, emergency services and volunteers. Welcoming the support that has been provided thus far, he acknowledged the show of unity, and thanked Federal and State Government representatives for visiting the region to speak with impacted communities.
“We are incredibly grateful for the Australian and NSW Government’s swift response and ongoing commitment to support our region during this extremely difficult time,” Mayor Roberts said.
“I want to reassure everyone that we have not been forgotten. Over the past 48 hours, I have had the pleasure of personally meeting with our State and Federal Government representatives to hear their pledges of support.
“In separate conversations with Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain and the NSW Premier Chris Minns, I also raised several requests for funding assistance to support with the provision of improved infrastructure to better withstand flooding impacts. As we did in 2021, we must build back smarter wherever possible. I am pleased to report that much of the infrastructure that was damaged and rebuilt during the 2021 event has held up.
“I know our recovery will be long and complex, but I will continue to apply the necessary means available to me to advocate on our behalf to get the critical support we need to get back on our feet faster and help our region be better prepared for future natural disasters.”
Port Macquarie Hastings Council Acting CEO Robert Fish joined Mayor Roberts at a meeting with the NSW Premier and government officials at Kempsey Shire Council on Wednesday.
He said it was an invaluable opportunity for both councils to advocate for their regional needs and priorities.
“Meeting with the NSW Premier allowed both PMHC and Kempsey Shire Council to relay our respective communities’ key needs both now and for the future,” Mr Fish said.
“We are confident that NSW Government has heard our collective voice and look forward to continuing to work alongside them and our emergency response and recovery agencies to achieve the best outcomes we can for the Port Macquarie Hastings and the broader region.”
For the latest and up to date information on our flood recovery, please keep following our daily updates on Facebook or refer to our dedicated Recovery Hub.
For New South Wales administered support, visit: www.nsw.gov.au/emergency/floods/recover
For Commonwealth administered support, visit: www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/disastersupport
https://www.pmhc.nsw.gov.au/Your-Council/News-Notices/News-articles/2025/May/Disaster-relief-and-recovery-efforts-underway