MidCoast Council Seeks Urgent Assistance for Flood-Impacted Residents and Businesses

Strategic Insights -

The MidCoast region in New South Wales continues to grapple with the devastating effects of recent floods, with Mayor Claire Pontin emphasizing the need for more substantial support from the state government. The unprecedented damage has resulted in significant economic and social impacts, with estimated direct losses to businesses reaching up to $24 million. Furthermore, over 440 houses were severely impacted or destroyed, and more than 1000 homes suffered some level of damage.

Key Takeaways:

  • The MidCoast Council is seeking Category D funding for primary producers, but is concerned that assistance to the area may have stopped there, leaving residents and businesses in urgent need of support.
  • Estimated direct losses to businesses due to the floods could be up to $24 million, with indirect and ongoing impacts on the retail and business sector expected to be significantly greater.
  • Over 440 houses were severely impacted or destroyed, and more than 1000 homes were damaged in some way, resulting in significant social and economic impacts on households.
  • Cr Pontin is calling for access to onsite temporary housing, a comprehensive Housing Assistance Program that includes grants for home raising, repairs, rebuilds, and relocation costs, and larger clean up and restocking grants for businesses.
  • The council is also seeking flexible loan arrangements, further flood drainage studies and mitigation works, and collaboration between all levels of government and the business communities in Wingham and Taree to revitalise the CBDs.
  • Cr Pontin has renewed her requests to Ministers and the Reconstruction Authority over the past week, emphasizing that residents and businesses in the MidCoast region should receive the same level of support as other NSW regions affected by disasters in recent years.

Statistics:

  • Estimated direct losses to businesses due to the floods: up to $24 million
  • Number of houses severely impacted or destroyed: over 440
  • Number of homes damaged: over 1000
  • Percentage of economic and social impacts expected to be indirect and ongoing: significantly greater than direct losses

Sources:

  • Staff reporters, MidCoast Council (no date provided)