Minister for Police and Emergency Services Michael Gallacher has today announced a Natural Disaster Declaration for Penrith and Hawkesbury City Councils following a severe thunderstorm and heavy rainfall last week.
“A significant amount of rain has fallen in and around Western Sydney damaging critical road infrastructure and inundating homes and buildings in the area,” Minister Gallacher said.
“Following last week’s storm, the NSW Government has today announced Penrith and Hawkesbury are the latest two areas to be declared,” Minister Gallacher said.
Local MP’s Bart Bassett (Londonderry), Stuart Ayers (Penrith), Tanya Davies (Mulgoa) Ray Williams (Hawkesbury) and Kevin Conolly (Riverstone) welcomed today’s declarations which open up a range of support schemes for their local communities.
Minister Gallacher said State Emergency Service personnel have been kept busy assisting residents during the storm and in its aftermath and I continue to applaud the incredible work of the SES.
The declaration makes available a number of supportive schemes available to assist with the cost of restoration and recovery under the Commonwealth Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements and the NSW Disaster Assistance Arrangements.
“This will assist residents and local business owners to get back on their feet a little faster,” Minister Gallacher said.
“We will continue to monitor the situation across Western Sydney and offer our support to local community members.
These latest disaster declarations bring to 25 the areas that have been declared as a result of recent floods and storms.
Anyone needing help from the SES should contact their local unit on 132 500. In a life threatening emergency, always ring Triple Zero (000).
LINK: Information on support available under NSW Natural Disaster Assistance Schemes
