State of natural disaster declared

A State of Natural Disaster has been declared. Image: Chelsea Cheleki

[Terrgial] A state of natural disaster has today been dedared for the Central Coast region. Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast and Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch said the declaration was made in response to last weekend’s severe storms and flooding.

Entire streets currently look like watery war zones, there are approximately 38,000 people stlll without power and many trees are blocking roads across the region.” Mr Crouch said.

Mr Crouch MP & Parliamentary Secretary discuss actions with NSW Minister for Water Melinda Pavey. Image: Adam Crouch

“I have been in constant contact with the Premier and Minister for Emergency Services to ensure a natural disaster dedaratlon could be made as quickly as possible.

Central Coast Mayor Lisa Matthews has welcomed the natural disaster declaration for the Central Coast announced by the State Government today.

“This means assistance is available for people whose homes or belongings have been damaged, and for Council to clean up public assets. I encourage flood-affected residents and business owners to contact the Disaster Welfare Assistance Line on 1800 018 444.

The recovery effort is ongoing and I want to thank local SES crews from Gosford and Wyong for their selfless service, as well as the other emergency services involved.” said Mr Crouch

Mayor Lisa Matthews said she would still like to see the Premier visit the region and see firsthand the impact the disaster has had on the Central Coast community.

“The declaration means that residents who have been affected by the recent event can get assistance and support to recover. Funding will also be made available to Council to repair infrastructure.

“It is fantastic to see the State Government step in and give Council and the community the support we need to recover and I look forward to welcoming the Premier to our region,” Mayor Matthews said.

“I want to show the Premier the impact of the recent event and ask for her support to find a long-term solution to the maintenance and viability of our waterways.

Member of the Legislative Council Taylor Martin said hundreds of homes around Tuggerah Lake have been directly impacted by floodwater.

“The Government assistance provided through a natural disaster declaration is very much needed by residents in Long Jetty, The Entrance and surrounding suburbs who have been affected by the deluge of rainfall and the inability of The Entrance channel to drain in a timely and effective manner” Said Mr Martin.

Source: Media Release Adam Crouch MP & Parl Sec, Taylor Martin MLC, Wed Feb 12, 2020. Media Statement Mayor Lisa Matthews Wed Feb 12, 2020.