The River Cares group is incensed that the townships of the Lower Hawkesbury, including Spencer and Gunderman, have been excluded from the State Government’s Back Home flood relief package, with residents in the Central Coast local government area (LGA) not eligible to apply.
River Cares President, Robyn Downham, said it was “frustrating and infuriating” that nearby towns such as Wisemans Ferry and St Albans were eligible because they were in the Hawkesbury LGA, when Spencer and Gunderman were just as heavily impacted by recent flooding.
“Roughly 20 households in this area, and possibly more, were severely impacted,” Downham said.
“The water was coming through and taking everything out – garden furniture, tools and generators from sheds, pumps, mowers – all sorts of machinery.
Downham said there was significant property damage to houses with roofs collapsing and foundations shaken and a mould situation has become prevalent.
“One family I know lost computers, laptops, clothing and mementos as the water impacted the lower level of their home and many were forced to evacuate, particularly from the Spencer caravan park, which went underwater.
“Insurance claims are stressful, with some not covered by their policies and with no money to pay for repairs.”
Downham said the communities of the Lower Hawkesbury were “always forgotten” and many residents were still waiting for tradesmen to remove mould and repaint before they could move back into their homes.
Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch, said he had spoken to the residents of Spencer and raised their concerns with the Premier and Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience, Steph Cooke.
“I will continue to advocate for the Spencer community,” he said.
Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch, said the decision to exclude Central Coast river communities from the Back Home grant funding needs to be addressed.
“I have written an urgent letter to Minister Dominello urging the NSW Government to reconsider this negligent decision,” Tesch said.
“Locals in Spencer and Gunderman have suffered severe damage to their properties and possessions due to the recent flooding of the Hawkesbury River.
“While their neighbours in the Hawkesbury LGA across the river are eligible for these much needed funds, local communities affected on the Central Coast will miss out on this vital assistance.”
Tesch said during the flooding residents were left cut off from electricity, telecommunications and resources while suffering devastating possession and property loss.
“It is believed that at least 20 local households in Spencer and Gunderman will meet the critical need criteria under the Back Home grant scheme and will be unable to access vital support under the scheme due to their postcode.
“Until substantial government support is provided, residents in these areas are left unable to return to their homes and are forced in to live in temporary accommodation.”
The $112M Back Home grants program was announced by the State Government this week but cash grants of up to $20,000 are available only for residents in the LGAs of the Hawkesbury, Ballina, Byron, Clarence Valley, Kyogle, Lismore, Richmond Valley and Tweed.
Terry Collins
