Perilous
Times and Climate Change
Australia: Five more NSW areas declared natural disaster
zones
* From: AAP
* June 17, 2011 3:53PM
FIVE more areas of NSW have been declared natural disaster zones
in the wake of widespread flooding across the north and central
coast, taking the total to 14.
The Coffs Harbour, Gloucester, Cessnock, Muswellbrook and Glenn
Innes-Severn locals council areas were on Friday added to the list
of regions affected by heavy rains and flooding during the past
week.
"With the heavy rain of the last few days finally clearing, many
councils are now beginning the difficult task of dealing with the
damage that has been left behind," Emergency Services Minister
Mike Gallacher said in a statement.
"Gloucester Shire has seen significant damage to a number of key
roads ... while Glenn Innes-Severn council has seen damage to a
number of bridges.
"Coffs Harbour City Council has likewise seen extensive damage to
its road and bridge network."
The shires of Greater Taree, Port Stephens, Nambucca, Dungog, Port
Macquarie-Hasting, Clarence Valley, Upper Hunter, Bellingen and
Kempsey have already been declared natural disaster zones.
Mr Gallacher toured the flood-affected regions in northern NSW on
Friday, and thanked SES volunteers and other emergency service
workers for their efforts in recent days.
"Since the floods began, the SES has responded to 1579 requests
for assistance, and there have been 59 flood rescues," Mr
Gallacher said.
"All our emergency services do an outstanding job to protect and
assist the community in times of need and we owe them a great debt
of gratitude."