Narrabri Shire Council is one of many local government areas set to benefit from $400 million in disaster recovery support.

The federal and state governments announced a $200 million package last week to support communities affected by storms and floods earlier this year.

An additional $200 million has been allocated towards an Infrastructure Betterment Fund to support the reconstruction and improved disaster resilience of public assets damaged during the recent storms and floods as well as the 2019-20 bushfires.

Narrabri was one of several areas lashed by the storms which saw 80 millimetres of rain fall across three days.

Moree bore the brunt of the storm’s wrath in the north west, with the Bureau of Meteorology recording 150 millimetres in 24 hours.

While the Namoi River reached minor flooding levels in some places, the Mehi experienced major flooding which severely impacted Moree as well other localities along the river.

Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton welcomed the disaster support and said the impact of the severe storms and flooding on communities and industries in towns across the Parkes electorate has been significant.

Mr Coulton made particular mention of damage to local roads, businesses and residential properties.

“This third phase of recovery support is in recognition and appreciation of the work involved to repair and rebuild these major public assets and infrastructure and will provide support for our local economy,” Mr Coulton said.

Minister for Emergency Management and National Recovery and Resilience, Senator Bridget McKenzie said the NSW Storm and Flood Phase Three Recovery Package would ensure the long-term recovery of impacted regions.

“We have listened to farmers and producers and included more than $25 million to provide grants for rural landholders who do not qualify for the existing supports, as well as funding for environmental recovery initiatives, including riverbank restoration,” Ms McKenzie said.

NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro said the joint federal and state funded package complemented the funding provided to date and would play a key role in supporting long-term recovery.

Mr Barilaro, who is also the state minister responsible for disaster recovery, said both tiers of government continue to stand by communities who were hit by devastating storms and floods earlier this year.

“We cannot underestimate the mental health and wellbeing of those impacted by these disasters and I’m pleased that we’ve been able to provide extensive support to assist communities hardest hit,” he said.

See more like this:

To order photos from this page click here