The thoughts of New South Wales are with the people of the Mid North Coast and the Hunter right now, as they deal with the floods that have smashed their communities this week.
While the worst of the weather appears behind us, many towns are still cut off by the waters, with warnings still in place. If you are anywhere near the flood zone, I urge you to download the Hazards Near Me app and follow any emergency broadcasts until directed otherwise.
These are tough communities. Having spent the last few days in Taree, Maitland, Raymond Terrace and Gillieston Heights, I have seen their strength and composure up close. But they are in pain right now, as they count the costs of the damage, while mourning those who have died in terrible circumstances.
These deaths are a shocking tragedy, but it’s important to know that this disaster could have been on a much larger scale. If it wasn’t for the bravery and professionalism of our emergency workers and volunteers, we may have been mourning hundreds of deaths this week.
We have seen an incredible logistical effort, working in exceptionally difficult circumstances. In the coming days and weeks, we will hear more stories of people being plucked out of impossible, desperate situations. We will learn of volunteers putting themselves in harm’s way to rescue complete strangers.
Emergency workers have performed at least 765 flood rescues. That involved more than 2,600 emergency service personnel, including 2,200 SES workers, 225 from the Rural Fire Service, 75 from Fire and Rescue, along with members of the NSW Police Force and the Australian Defence Force. In this moment of need, many other organisations also jumped in to lend a hand.
We owe each of these heroes a deep gratitude. Unquestionably, they have saved many, many lives.
As we look forward, it’s important that everyone is across the process of emergency response and recovery from here. Our first priority, of course, is to save people in imminent risk of death. The next priority is to supply food and shelter. The last priority is the cleanup effort.
I understand that there will be some frustrations if your possessions have been swept away, or your business has been smashed. You want to start the recovery as quickly as possible. But we’ve got to make sure the third priority doesn’t jump in front of the first one.
As floodwaters recede, we can move into the cleanup phase.
I know this is asking people to be patient, but we will not leave communities alone to deal with this. Assistance will flow soon, including personal hardship payments of $180 per individual or $900 per household, which we have announced with the Commonwealth Government.
Recovery takes time, long after the cameras move on to some other drama in some other place. But the NSW Government will be there, as people get back on their feet, to walk that road with them.
MEDIA: Dan Conifer | Premier | 0456 723 037