Natural Disaster Declarations have been made in 63 local government areas across NSW including the Blue Mountains.

These declarations have activated practical and immediate support and financial assistance through Commonwealth and State disaster funding arrangements. The assistance is to help people get back on their feet and assist councils to start important recovery work.

DISASTER ASSISTANCE 

Flood Recovery support is still available through a personal appointment service

Communities impacted by the March 2021 storms and floods can still access personalised recovery support by booking a one-on-one appointment with a Service NSW customer care specialist. To book an appointment with a customer care specialist visit the Service NSW storms and floods customer care website. Appointments are currently by phone due to COVID-19 restrictions.

NSW STORM AND FLOOD CLEAN UP PROGRAM

  • Clean up assistance will be provided to flood-affected residents, businesses, primary producers and councils to support immediate clean-up and waste disposal, including the removal of debris, mud and green waste.
  • This service is provided for free by the NSW and Commonwealth Governments and coordinated locally, with local emergency services identifying the need in their areas and seeking assistance from the State.
  • Residents are asked to be aware of fake tradies asking for money to clean your property.
  • Residents are asked to follow advice in relation to the separation of goods for disposal where possible. This will help minimise use of the limited landfill capacity available.
  • All flood-impacted households and businesses will receive assistance, regardless of insurance status.

HEALTH ADVICE 

SAFE DRINKING WATER 

Listen to your local radio station or check social media for updates from your water supplier about the safety of your drinking water. 

If a ‘boil water alert’ has been issued in your area observe it strictly to prevent illness. Water used for drinking or food preparation should be brought to a rolling boil to make it safe. Kettles with automatic shut off switches can do this.

Water should then be allowed to cool and stored in a clean container with a lid and refrigerated. Alternatively, bottled water may be used. 

Cooled boiled or bottled water should be used for: 

  • Drinking
  • Cooking
  • Washing raw foods (such as seafood or salads)
  • Making ice
  • Cleaning teeth 
  • Drinking water for pets 

Dishes should be washed in hot soapy water or in a dishwasher.

Children should take bottled or cooled boiled water to school.

When a ‘boil water alert’ is lifted, follow the water supplier’s instructions about flushing the household water pipes.

COVID-19 PUBLIC HEALTH ORDERS 

COVID-19 public health orders still apply during emergencies and are in place to keep people affected by flooding safe, as well as protect emergency responders. 

Get tested as soon as you feel sick. COVID-19 symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, runny nose, loss of taste, loss of smell. 

For updates to public health orders or to find the location of COVID-19 testing clinics visit www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19 or phone the National Coronavirus Helpline on 1800 020 080 (24-hour help line). 

MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT

The NSW Government recognises the trauma associated with disasters and recognises early treatment can make significant long differences to mental health.

Recovery from disasters takes time and mental health supports will aid the long-term recovery of our impacted communities.

Phone the NSW Mental Health Line at any time on 1800 011 511.

LIVESTOCK AND ANIMAL WELFARE

The Department of Primary Industries (DPI) and Local Land Services (LLS) are providing assistance to landholders and communities with animal welfare-related issues resulting from the floods, including: 

  • Animal assessment and veterinary assistance
  • Stock euthanasia and burial
  • Emergency fodder (up to three days supply)
  • Emergency stock water (where there is an immediate animal welfare concern)
  • Livestock feeding and management advice
  • Care of animals in evacuation centres 

Phone the Agricultural and Animal Services Hotline on 1800 814 647.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE 

For information on all available disaster assistance, please contact the Disaster Customer Care Service at Service NSW on 13 77 88 or online via service.nsw.gov.au/floods.

Disaster Recovery Payment 

One-off financial assistance for individuals at a rate of $1000 per eligible adult and $400 per eligible child. Claims for this payment can be lodged with Services Australia for a period up to 6 months.  

Find out more on the Services Australia webpage