Month: May 2025

Council to consider independent review report

The outcomes of the independent review into City of Newcastle’s processes, procedures and performance will be tabled for endorsement at next week’s Council meeting.

Davidson Business Advisory presented a summary of its findings to Councillors and the public at a briefing earlier this month, which confirmed City of Newcastle was a well-managed and high performing organisation.

The full report details 20 recommendations along with actions for improvement across six themes of general and financial governance, compliance, major projects, engagement and organisational culture.

The full report will be tabled at Tuesday’s Ordinary Council Meeting, along with a recommendation that City of Newcastle’s Audit Risk and Improvement Committee (ARIC) oversee implementation of the findings.

ARIC Chairman Stephen Coates, who has sat on 20 Council risk and audit committees, said City of Newcastle ranks among the best one or two Local Governments he has worked with.

“The City of Newcastle Audit Risk and Improvement Committee has overseen independent consultants, Davidson, who conducted a thorough governance review,” Mr Coates said. 

“The final report highlights many positive findings, confirming that City of Newcastle is a well-managed, high-performing organisation with several examples of best practice. 

“While the report largely affirms the Council’s strong performance, it also includes 20 suggestions for improvement, aimed at building on the current success, rather than addressing any issues of failure.”

Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge thanked the community for their input into the review, which he said will provide a basis for enhanced openness and transparency with the community.

“I thank the many members of our community who took the time to make a submission, ensuring that their voices were heard during this process,” Cr Kerridge said.

“I’m pleased that the review found the City of Newcastle to be a well-managed and generally high-performing organisation. 

“However, multiple important opportunities to improve and rebuild trust were identified. There are some real issues in communication and engagement with the community, and financial reporting can be more transparent.

“I look forward to now working with the City of Newcastle and Councillors on positive actions that build better communication, transparency, and trust with our community.”

The review was completed following a unanimous resolution of Councillors at the 10 December 2024 Ordinary Council meeting.

Deputy Lord Mayor Callum Pull, who tabled the Notice of Motion unanimously adopted in December, welcomed the outcome.

“This has been a very thorough review. I have been very impressed with the quality and substance of the review, and feedback from residents has been largely positive,” Cr Pull said. 

“What the review has underlined is that we are a high performing Council, but like all organisations we have room to improve. 

“I have consistently said that this review is an opportunity to reinforce confidence in Council, identify issues, offer solutions, and to give the Council some much needed direction going forward. 

“The reviewers have presented their findings and now it is over to the elected Council to decide how they respond.”

More than 800 public submissions from 548 individuals were considered during the review. ARIC was consulted at each phase of the review and accepted the final report ahead of the public briefing. 

Davidson Business Advisory has worked with more than 100 local governments across Australia and are experienced in undertaking similar governance and performance reviews.  

The full report can be viewed on the City of Newcastle website.

City of Newcastle keen to keep Surfest on the international stage

As Surfest prepares to make its debut on the World Surf League (WSL) Challenger Series in less than two weeks, one of the contest’s foundation sponsors is looking to ensure it stays there until at least 2028.

Councillors will vote at Tuesday’s Ordinary Council Meeting on whether to commit to a three-year annual investment of up to $250,000 cash and up to $50,000 of in-kind support for the Challenger Series event.

City of Newcastle’s funding would be subject to WSL receiving greater funding from Destination NSW, which is currently considering the proposal to extend the major event’s stay at Merewether Beach beyond this year.

In February, Councillors endorsed the investment of up to $2 million annually to attract and retain major events through City of Newcastle’s Strategic Event Partnership Program.

Chair of City of Newcastle’s Sports Infrastructure Working Party Councillor Peta Winney-Baartz said Surfest is a great example of how major events provide economic, cultural, and tourism benefits.

“City of Newcastle is proud to be one of the foundation sponsors of Surfest, which will celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2026,” Cr Winney-Baartz said.

“Surfest gives our young athletes the opportunity to see their heroes in their hometown, whether they dream about following in their footsteps or just want to see them at their local beach.

“This iconic contest and other major events enhance our community, strengthen relationships between our organisations and build prosperity through job creation and economic growth.

“In 2024, 26 events, attracting approximately 86,000 local attendees, were delivered through our sponsorship programs, resulting in a total direct economic impact within the Newcastle LGA of more than $18 million.

“Supporting major events demonstrates our ongoing commitment to delivering the Community Strategic Plan, maintaining our reputation as an events destination in a highly competitive market.”

Originating in 1985, Surfest was the richest professional surfing event on the international stage and helped Newcastle evolve from its industrial roots and promote its beaches and surf breaks to a new audience.

Surfest founder Warren Smith said City of Newcastle has played a major role in the success and longevity of the event.

“City of Newcastle contributed the initial funding in 1985 to help create Surfest,” Mr Smith said.

“It has been onboard ever since as a foundation partner, helping to keep the contest running, turning it into a premier event for the city and involving the community in its development.

“A three-year commitment from City of Newcastle would be a major vote of confidence in our quest to remain part of the Challenger Series.”

The Challenger Series is the second highest tier on the WSL calendar and is contested by more than 120 of young and experienced male and female surfers from Australia, North and South America, Europe, Asia and Africa.

It also boasts the men’s and women’s Junior World Champions, as well as the men and women from the Championship Tour who don’t make the mid-season cut, justifying Surfest’s newfound status as one of the top 16 events on the planet.

Next month’s event is expected to attract approximately 3.2 million live viewers across all digital platforms, and more than 50 million social media impressions, promoting Newcastle as a tourism destination to an international audience.

Community invited for a sneak peek at completed $250 million Griffith Base Hospital redevelopment

Residents of Griffith and surrounding communities are being invited to be among the first to tour the new $250 million Griffith Base Hospital redevelopment at a Community Open Day on Saturday, 14 June 2025.

With construction of the new hospital now complete, visitors will have the opportunity to explore the new Clinical Services Building, the centrepiece of the redevelopment, and tour key areas including the expanded emergency department, maternity and medical inpatient unit, and specialist clinics.

The Griffith Base Hospital redevelopment will provide new and enhanced services including a new day surgery unit, expanded medical imaging department, more inpatient beds, mobile cardiac monitoring units and improved technology throughout the hospital. 

The hospital also includes an expanded emergency department and intensive care unit, three palliative care rooms, and expanded perioperative unit featuring two theatres and one procedure room, equipped with the latest digital technology.

Expanded ambulatory care facilities will provide the community with improved access to a wider range of specialist clinics, including renal, cancer care, rehabilitation, and Hospital in the Home, further enhancing outpatient services.

Work is now underway to ensure the new building and staff are prepared and ready to welcome patients, ahead of its opening. This includes installing furniture, fixtures, and equipment, completing clinical cleaning, stocking departments with medical consumables, and training and orientating staff.

The Griffith Base Hospital’s opening date will be announced in the coming weeks.

The Community Open Day is a free event. To register to attend, and to find out more, visit https://www.trybooking.com/DAVYX

Griffith Base Hospital Community Open Day
Saturday 14 June 2025
9.00am – 3.00pm
Noorebar Avenue, Griffith

Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park:

“I had the pleasure of touring the construction site late last year with the Member for Murray, and it is great to hear it’s almost ready to open to patients.

“The open day is a fantastic opportunity for the community to tour this wonderful new facility and have a behind the scenes look before it opens to the public.

“The purpose-built Clinical Services Building will bring all major health services together under one roof, transforming the experience for patients, carers, and staff.”

Member for Murray, Helen Dalton:

“The new Griffith Base Hospital will increase access to healthcare for patients and is a key part of providing the high-quality services the community of the Murrumbidgee deserves.

“The open day is wonderful chance to showcase this world class health facility to the local community and give people the opportunity to explore some of the areas in the redeveloped hospital they may not usually get to see.”

Funding boost to support families in regional NSW with seriously ill children

A major funding boost for not-for-profit charity Little Wings will support families in regional NSW with sick children to access lifesaving treatment.

Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park today announced $600,000 in funding for Little Wings. This funding is in addition to $600,000 provided in 2024.

Little Wings provide free air and ground transportation to medical treatment for children living in rural and remote areas. Little Wings also transport clinicians to rural and remote areas to provide health services to children in those areas.

In 2024/2025, with the support of the Minns Labor Government, Little Wings has to date:

  • Transported 439 children from regional, rural and remote NSW to receive medical treatment
  • Transported 64 medical specialists to rural and remote NSW who have delivered 170 clinics which have assisted an estimated 3,250 children
  • Flown to 51 locations across rural, regional and remote NSW.

Services provided by the charity are available to eligible families living in rural, regional and remote NSW whose children are receiving treatment or support at health services including:

  • Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick
  • The Children’s Hospital at Westmead
  • John Hunter Children’s Hospital
  • Royal Far West in Manly.

Children are referred to the Little Wings service by hospital staff with consideration to the child’s medical condition, geographical location and regularity of travel.

For more information visit the Little Wings website.

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“I am so pleased to support Little Wings in their work which is helping to ease the emotional and financial strain placed on families when they are accessing lifesaving medical treatment for a sick child.

“This important service supports families living in rural, regional and remote areas of NSW to more easily attend ongoing medical appointments, and also offers a welcome break to children during their treatment, by bringing them home for some much-needed quality time with family and friends.

“Little Wings is staffed 100 per cent by volunteer pilots and drivers and I’d like to extend my sincere gratitude to those dedicated staff for their ongoing commitment to supporting these families in their time of need.”

Clare Pearson, CEO Little Wings:

“Little Wings has been operating for 13 years, working in the background to support regional families caring for a seriously ill or injured child in accessing lifesaving medical treatment that is only available at tertiary hospital.

“With the changing landscape of regional health, it is the support and funding of the NSW Health Minister, Ryan Park, and his vision to partner with purpose to ensure equitable care for families, that will transform healthcare for NSW.

“Little Wings is a proud and deeply grateful part of this vision, providing FREE air and ground transport for regional families, this grant will allow our team to work with urgency and to increase services in line with community needs and to ensure that children in regional NSW have the access to healthcare that they need to thrive.”

Minns Labor Government investment in North-West Sydney grows with new public primary school and preschool for Grantham Farm

The Minns Labor Government is continuing its record investment in rebuilding public education, with a new primary school and co-located public preschool for Grantham Farm to meet the needs of families in the rapidly growing region of North-West Sydney.

The new primary school in Grantham Farm, located on the corner of Hamilton and Crown Street, will cater to the suburb’s increasing student population, with 24 modern classrooms, three support learning rooms, a multipurpose hall, a covered outdoor learning area, and outside of school hours care facilities.

The new primary school will open for at least 500 students on Day 1, Term 1, 2028 and will be masterplanned for future expansion. It will also include a new library, a canteen, administration facilities and staff parking. The public preschool will cater for up to 60 children per day.

As part of long-term planning for growth and infrastructure development in the area, Vineyard Public School will transition to the new school in Grantham Farm once built, to mitigate future impacts to its site from the planned Bandon Road upgrade by Transport for NSW. The new school at Grantham Farm will accommodate five times the number of students that are currently at Vineyard Public School.

Student learning will continue at Vineyard Public School until the new facilities at Grantham Farm are built. All families, students, and staff will be supported during their transition to the new school, with updates for families to be shared as the project progresses.

As the project progresses, consultation with the community will be undertaken to determine the name for the new school.

This project adds to the significant number new and upgraded schools already delivered or on the way that are adding more than 600 new permanent classrooms across Sydney’s North West, including:

  • Melonba Public School
  • Melonba High School
  • Tallawong Public School
  • Nirimba Fields Public School
  • Box Hill Public School
  • Box Hill High School
  • Gables – new primary school
  • Schofields and Tallawong – new high school
  • Rouse Hill High School upgrade
  • Castle Hill Public School upgrade
  • Matthew Pearce Public School upgrade
  • Excelsior Public School upgrade
  • Glenwood High School upgrade
  • John Palmer Public School upgrade
  • Riverbank Public School and The Ponds High School upgrade

This is part of the Minns Labor Government’s record $8.9 billion investment to deliver new and upgraded schools across NSW, including a record $3.6 billion to upgrade and build new schools in Western Sydney.

Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Early Learning, and Minister for Western Sydney Prue Car said:

“This new school at Grantham Farm is part of the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to rebuild public education and ensure every child has access to a modern, high-quality learning environment close to home.

“For over a decade, families in Grantham Farm were ignored by the former Liberal National Government as the suburb grew without a school.

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to delivering world-class schools for families across North West Sydney, and this new school will be a game-changer for the growing Grantham Farm community. 

“North West Sydney is one of the fastest-growing regions in NSW, and this new school and preschool will support local families for generations to come.”

Member for Riverstone Warren Kirby said: 

“I’m proud to be part of a government that is committed to investing in our schools, particularly in areas experiencing rapid growth.

“Investing in our children’s future means creating spaces where students and teachers can excel, which is why it’s so exciting to see plans progressing for this much-needed new school.

“This is an exciting milestone for our families in Grantham Farm and surrounding areas, and I look forward to seeing plans progress for a modern and inclusive school that meets the needs of our growing communities.

“I also want to reassure our Vineyard Public School community that student learning will continue uninterrupted at the existing site while the new school is built, and we will continue to keep you updated as plans progress.”

Disaster support for North West NSW following severe storms

Disaster assistance is now available in the Gunnedah, Gwydir, Moree Plains and MidCoast, Local Government Areas (LGAs) following widespread severe weather, including strong winds, heavy rainfall and floods.

Support has been made available under the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) – with assistance for the Narrabri Local Government Area already in place.

Assistance measures that may be provided to communities include: 

  • Assistance for eligible residents to help meet immediate needs like emergency accommodation and essential items generally provided from evacuation or recovery centres.
  • Grants for low-income, uninsured residents to replace lost essential household items to maintain basic standard of living.
  • Grants for low-income, uninsured residents to undertake essential structural repairs to restore their homes to a basic, safe and habitable condition.
  • Support for affected local councils to help with the costs of cleaning up and restoring damaged essential public assets.
  • Concessional interest rate loans for small businesses, primary producers, and non-profit organisations and grants to sporting and recreation clubs to repair or replace damaged or destroyed property.
  • Freight subsidies for primary producers to help transport livestock and fodder.
  • Financial support towards counter disaster activity undertaken by emergency service organisations to keep communities safe.

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said this assistance would support families, local businesses, sporting clubs, and local councils in the North West of NSW continue to recover from this year’s floods and strong winds.

“I know how distressing extreme weather events and the damage they leave behind are for our communities, which is why the Albanese and Minns governments are ensuring support is available for the on-going clean-up and recovery,” Minister McBain said.

“This extension will support more impacted communities in the North West of NSW – a region that’s had more than its fair share of extreme weather events, with the costs of cleaning up and restoring damaged local roads and other essential public assets.”

NSW Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said the extension of the natural disaster declaration to include Gunnedah, Gwydir, Moree Plains and MidCoast is critical to ensuring the community can get back to their daily lives as soon as possible. 

“We know that people’s daily lives were seriously disrupted by the flooding which has put significant pressure on local councils. That’s why we have unlocked this funding support, so they’ll have the resources to clean up and restore any public assets impacted by the flooding,” Minister Saffin said.

“We will continue to work closely with council to make sure the community is getting the support it needs, and we will work with the Commonwealth Government to ensure no one is left behind in the recovery.” 

More information on disaster assistance can be found at https://www.nsw.gov.au/emergency/recovery and www.disasterassist.gov.au

Statement from the Prime Minister on the opening of Parliament

I have recommended to Her Excellency the Governor-General Sam Mostyn that the opening of the 48th Parliament take place on Tuesday 22 July 2025.

A proposed Parliamentary sitting calendar can be found on the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet website.

The Government is humbled by the support of the Australian people.

I look forward to advancing the Government’s legislative agenda over the coming Parliamentary term.

The reform program we took to the election was shaped by the priorities of the Australian people.

We look forward to continuing the work of Building Australia’s Future.

Flood impacts on rail and roads networks

There are widespread issues on the rail and roads networks today due to flooding and extreme weather. People who need to travel are urged to leave plenty of additional time and plan ahead, as impacts are expected for the remainder of the day.

This is a fast-moving situation, rail passengers are advised to check www.transportnsw.info or live travel apps, and motorists are advised to check www.livetraffic.com before travelling.

Sydney Trains and NSW TrainLink passengers travelling on the T8 Airport & South, and Central Coast & Newcastle Lines, are advised to avoid non-essential travel as heavy rain is causing localised flooding on the rail network.

Sydney Trains Chief Executive Matt Longland said, “We have emergency crews deployed across the network to address rising flood waters. We are monitoring key locations and intervening to reduce impacts to passenger services.”

Passengers on the T8 Airport & South Line between Revesby and Turrella, and the Central Coast Line between Newcastle and Morrisett are advised to seek alternative travel if possible as buses are replacing trains.

10 replacement buses are in operation between Revesby and Turrella to assist with passenger movements due to flooding between Bardwell Park and Bexley North.

Trains in or near the affected area will stop on platforms or between stations for longer than normal while the incident is ongoing. Trains departing Macarthur heading to the city will be diverted via other lines to the city.

On the Central Coast & Newcastle Line, Cockle Creek has continued to flood, with water over the rail and affecting signal equipment.

Between Kotara and Cardiff, there has been a substantial landslip. We have crews on the ground now assessing the damage.

Buses are replacing trains from Newcastle to Morrisett and Wyong in both directions.

Passengers on the T2 Leppington & T3 Liverpool and Inner West, T4 Eastern Suburbs & Illawarra Lines, Hunter Line, Southern Highlands Line and South Coast Lines are also seeing impacts from the extreme weather.

Hunter Line

Sandgate is flooded, we have limited buses replacing train services between Maitland, Dungog and Scone. Nine buses are in operation.

Southern Highlands Line

Train services are currently suspended between Picton and Moss Vale in both directions due to reports of flooding near Mittagong. Shuttle trains are operating between Campbelltown and Picton.

South Coast Line

At Helensburgh the rainfall monitors there are in warning mode, we are watching this, trains are being warned and slowing down through the area, resulting in minor delays.

T4 Eastern Suburbs & Illawarra

Trains are experiencing minor delays due to water over the track earlier at Oatley, minor delays in both directions as a result.

T2 Leppington & T3 Liverpool and Inner West Lines

Passengers on these lines are experiencing flow on delays and some service gaps travelling away from the city, due to the flooding on the T8.

Blue Mountains

A failed freight train on the Blue Mountains line has been removed but passengers may experience some flow-on delays.

Roads

There are widespread impacts across the road network, with several major closures in place on the Mid North Coast, in the Hunter and across parts of Sydney.

In addition to state managed roads, many local roads managed by councils are also affected.

Floodwater is extremely dangerous, especially for drivers. If the road is flooded, forget it. Roads can close and reopen at short notice. Motorists should continue to avoid non-essential travel in flood-affected areas and visit www.livetraffic.com for the latest information.

Vivid Sydney

Transport for NSW Coordinator-General Howard Collins said, “If you are heading in tonight to see Vivid Sydney please allow plenty of extra travel time and check your transport apps before heading out.

“The city is no place for cars during Vivid Sydney with road closures and parking restrictions in place each night on roads around the Harbour and surrounding Vivid Sydney precincts.”

For the latest public transport information, visit www.transportnsw.info or download a live travel app like the Opal app.

Communities urged to remain on high alert as flood emergency continues

As severe weather continues to impact the NSW Mid-North Coast, communities are being urged to remain on high alert.

Heavy rainfall is forecast to continue throughout today, and flash flooding is a risk in the Mid-North Coast region and adjacent Northern Tablelands and the Hunter, with a particular focus between Kempsey and Dorrigo.  

While heavy rainfall continues, the impacts remain wide-reaching, with communities being strongly advised to evacuate when asked to do so by the NSW State Emergency Service (NSW SES).

To stay up to date with the latest warnings and advice, download the Hazards Near Me app. The number of people using the Hazards Near Me app has quadrupled in the past week from around 26,000 to more than 100,000 active users.

More than 2,500 personnel, 500 boats and vehicles and a fleet of helicopters have been deployed to support ongoing rescue efforts.

The NSW SES has responded to around 4,000 incidents since the severe weather began.

Rescues are continuing with around 300 people already brought to safety over the past 24 hours including dozens of overnight rescues.

Conditions remain challenging with fast flowing rivers, continuous rainfall and flooded roads making it difficult for emergency services to safely access some isolated areas. 

While authorities continue to work around the clock, emergency service crews can never guarantee an immediate rescue of those who remain in impacted areas.

In total, more than 500 flood rescues have been completed with the support of specialist flood and in water crews from the NSW SES, Fire and Rescue NSW, NSW Police, Marine Rescue NSW and VRA Rescue NSW. 

Personnel from Ambulance NSW, the NSW Rural Fire Service and Surf Life Saving NSW are also assisting in the natural disaster response, along with the Australian Defence Force.

14 evacuation centres remain open across the region where hundreds of people have taken emergency shelter overnight.

The community is being urged to heed the advice of emergency services and always avoid driving through floodwaters.

NSW Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib has signed a protection order for volunteers involved in responding to this weather event ensuring their employment will not be affected while they assist in the response. 

As this situation continues to unfold, the ongoing support of volunteers will be crucial over the coming days and weeks.

If you are an individual or part of a group who is ready and willing to help, consider partnering with the NSW SES, local authorities and endorsed community groups.

Your support could be invaluable for urgent tasks such as sandbagging, sharing information, and participating in clean-up activities.

For evacuation centre locations and more information, visit the NSW SES website. 

Visit the Live Traffic NSW website for the latest road closures and traffic conditions. 

If you need assistance during floods and storms, call the NSW SES on 132 500. In a life-threatening situation, call Triple Zero (000).

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:

“We are sending in all our available emergency service resources to support the impacted region. Please check the NSW SES website and Hazards Near Me app and follow public safety advice.

“I want to thank all the amazing volunteers who are currently supporting flood-affected communities across the Mid-North Coast.

“I’ve signed a protection order for volunteers from the NSW SES and other emergency service organisations, providing employment protection while they’re undertaking vital assistance work supporting flood impacted communities.

“I encourage people to download the Hazards Near Me App which includes the latest warnings and information for impacted communities.”

Support for farmers during the Mid-North Coast, North Coast and Hunter flood events

The Minns Labor Government has activated assistance for farmers across the Mid North Coast, North Coast and Hunter regions who are experiencing severe weather, including heavy rainfall and flooding.  

For urgent requests for stock assistance, including animal assessment, veterinary support or emergency fodder, impacted landholders are encouraged to call the Agricultural and Animal Services Functional Area (AASFA) emergency hotline at: 1800 814 647 which is available 9.00 am to 5.00 pm seven days a week.

For emergency calls at any time call NSW SES – 132 500.

The Government urges farmers and families to continue preparations for flood impacts but only where safe to do so. 

Animal Safe Places are being activated to support people with large pets and lifestyle animals such as horses at Wauchope, Wingham, and Kempsey Showgrounds.

Travelling stock routes (TSR) have been opened for farmers to move livestock to when needed and AASFA can assist with displaced stock, if required.

The Government’s NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development with Local Land Services, through AASFA are supporting the NSW SES to assist affected farmers.

With further rain forecast and floodwaters expected to move through the region in the coming days and weeks, farmers are encouraged to take proactive steps to protect livestock and property—but only where it is safe to do so.

Assistance available through AASFA includes:

  • Animal assessment and veterinary support
  • Euthanasia of animals on welfare grounds
  • Emergency fodder (where there is an immediate animal welfare concern)
  • Emergency stock water (where there is an immediate animal welfare concern)
  • Livestock feeding and management advice
  • Aerial support for isolated or stranded livestock

The AASFA State Control Centre is operating from Orange with two Forward Command Posts in Paterson and Coffs Harbour providing operational support.

RSPCA and Australian Veterinarian Association are available to provide support as required at Evacuation Centres where animals are housed.

Most importantly, farmers are reminded to prioritise personal safety. Do not take unnecessary risks around floodwaters.

DPIRD and LLS have commenced preparations for recovery under the coordination of the Reconstruction Authority. 

People in impacted areas are reminded to follow the directions of emergency services personnel and check on their neighbours to ensure they have received critical emergency messages. Download the Hazards Near Me app and set watch points for your area.

If you need emergency assistance, call the NSW State Emergency Service on 132 500.

If the matter is life threatening, call Triple Zero (000).

Latest warnings and information for impacted communities, including evacuation centre locations, are available at www.ses.nsw.gov.au   

Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said:

“Our agencies have activated the Agricultural and Animal Services Functional Area to support landholders and regional communities affected by flooding in the Hunter and up the coast,” Minister Moriarty said.

“We know our states farmers are resilient in the face of natural disasters, be it droughts, bushfires, cyclones or a flood.

“But we genuinely understand our responsibility to support them in the face of an extreme weather event like this, because our state relies on them.

“It is currently too early to determine the full extent of stock losses across affected areas with ongoing rainfall and access issues limiting any ability to assess on-ground impacts.

“Our AASFA personnel bring valuable knowledge, experience, and strong networks. They are there when it matters—ready to help landholders in need.

“When it is safe, I want to encourage primary producers to report flood-related damage including stock and fodder losses, damage to crops, pastures, fencing and other farm infrastructure through the Primary Industries Natural Disaster Damage Assessment (PiNDDA).

“This will ensure that we understand the severity and regional distribution of the damage and can target resources and assistance in the appropriate areas.”