Minister for the North Coast Don Page said the forecast of more rain over the next few days is bad news for flood-ravaged areas of the North Coast, but the resilience of its people will ensure the region recovers as soon as possible.

“I am informed that more rain is anticipated in many areas of the North Coast over the next few days, which means that the damage to homes, businesses and infrastructure – which is already significant – might get worse,” Mr Page said.

“The people and the communities of the North Coast are resilient, they have fought back from other disasters such as this in the past, and they will rebuild and fight back again.

“My thoughts, wishes and support go out to everyone affected by this flooding.”

Mr Page said the poor weather forecast comes after Emergency Services Minister Michael Gallacher announced that the NSW Government has declared 11 councils in northern NSW as natural disaster areas – Bellingen, Byron, Clarence Valley, Coffs Harbour, Inverell, Kempsey, Kyogle, Lismore, Nambucca, Richmond Valley, and Tweed councils.

Other councils in the region are still in the process of assessing flood damage and, once completed, will also seek to be declared natural disaster areas, Mr Page said.

NSW Government natural disaster assistance funding is available to flood-affected councils, businesses and not-for-profit organisations, to assist the rebuilding effort.

NSW Government natural disaster assistance schemes that are available include:

- Grants to councils to meet the additional costs of emergency work to restore essential services, and to restore roads and bridges to pre-disaster standards
- Loans of up to $130,000 available at a concessional rate to eligible primary industries to meet costs associated with replacement and repair of damage not covered by insurance
- Transport freight subsidies of up to 50 per cent for eligible primary industries for the carriage of livestock and fodder (up to a maximum $15,000 a year)
- Loans of up to $130,000 available at a concessional rate to small businesses affected by a disaster
- Grants to eligible individuals and families
- Loans or grants to not-for-profit groups such as sports clubs, churches, and trustees responsible for managing Crown Land, or public parks and reserves, to restore facilities damaged or destroyed in a disaster, when they can’t meet restoration costs

The complete NSW Disaster Assistance Guidelines are available at the Ministry for Police and Emergency Services website: www.emergency.nsw.gov.au.

Mr Page said the Public Information and Inquiry Centre has been reactivated in support of the State Emergency Service, following the severe weather and flooding.

It provides information to affected communities regarding displaced families, road closures, welfare assistance and all other general inquiries. It can be contacted on 1800 227 228.

The Inquiry Centre hotline does not replace the State Emergency Service emergency hotline.

Anyone seeking assistance during a flood or storm should always call the State Emergency Service on 132 500.