News

With floodwater subsiding along the South Coast of New South Wales, the NSW State Emergency Service (NSW SES) will now turn its attention to helping the community recover from recent flooding.

NSW SES South Eastern Zone Commander Colin Malone said disaster recovery is a process of returning an affected community to its proper level of functioning after an emergency.

“We have seen the Shoalhaven, Eurobodalla, Illawarra and Bega Valley communities all impacted by heavy rain, storms and flood water in recent days,” Mr Malone noted.

“With the towns of Moruya, Sussex Inlet and Nowra, as well as communities along the Shoalhaven River, given the All Clear to return to properties following evacuation orders in recent days, we can now focus on recovery across the region,” Mr Malone added.

“Their focus will be on assessing any damage to property which might have been sustained during the localised flooding and getting back on their feet.”

To assist community members and Councils with this recovery process, Mr Malone said the NSW SES has a comprehensive 16-page guide which can assist with the recovery efforts following flooding.

The guide can be found at www.ses.nsw.gov.au/next-steps-toward-recovery/

“The transition to recovery can involve many personal considerations including but not limited to power, animals, clean up, repairs, insurance and your well-being,” Mr Malone said.

“While at a community level, recovery often involves the reconstruction of the physical infrastructure and the restoration of emotional, social, economic and physical wellbeing.”

In NSW, recovery from major disasters is managed by a wide range of organisations including members of the State and Local Recovery Committees outlined in the NSW Recovery Plan.

The NSW Government Disaster Assistance Guidelines also help inform the community, business, government, emergency services, councils, functional areas and those working in disaster recovery of the assistance available.