PARKS & GARDENS UPDATE

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Following the flood impacts across Wentworth Shire, the council teams have been rejuvenating impacted areas for the community to once again enjoy.

𝗣𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗼𝘄:
‣ Playground Equipment has been assessed by (Hutchison Parks Services) and some are deemed unsafe, remaining closed until further notice.
‣ Arborist Audits have been conducted, with tree lopping underway across the shire.
‣ The river front grassed areas have been re-seeded. Please be mindful of these areas while grass recovers.

Please follow signage displayed at public parks and gardens for the safety of yourself and any children at play.

𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗡
‣ The Buronga Nature Play and Pump Track is now open to the public (as of Friday 24 March), including the playground.
‣ O’Donnell Park
‣ Wentworth Wharf

𝗖𝗟𝗢𝗦𝗘𝗗
‣ Fotherby Park – Playground equipment has been deemed unsafe, and therefore will be closed until further notice. Council are awaiting the removal of dead trees next week, the park will be opened following this, excluding the playground.
‣ Ski Reserve – Council are awaiting the removal of dead trees next week, the park will be opened following this.
‣ Junction Island – The walkway will remain closed until further notice. Council are currently undertaking a project to install a new bridge to Junction Island, and upgrade the existing walking path.
‣ Wentworth Riverfront Playground – the playground remains closed until further notice.

For the latest post flood information, visit https://www.wentworth.nsw.gov.au/flood-updates-roads-other-sites/

The road to recovery

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The Murray River is slowly dropping in Wentworth Shire Council however rises in the Darling River are still expected over the coming weeks.

Please be advised that roads and other sites will only be able to reopen when Council officers are able to assess the safety and potential damage that may result.

Roads may take weeks and in certain cases months to re-open to road users, dependant on the extent of debris clean-up, emergency repair works and level of inundation suffered. Roads closures for heavy vehicle access may still be in place for longer duration to prevent road damage as a result of sodden pavements.

We ask for road users to plan ahead and avoid flood affected areas and roads whilst the recovery phase progresses.

To keep up to date with road and other site closures in our Shire impacted by the flood event, please visit https://www.wentworth.nsw.gov.au/flood-updates-roads-other-sites/

Please remember to obey road closure signage, drive with caution and to NEVER drive through flood water.

Please be advised as we move into the recovery phase there will be a high volume of requests for the re-opening of roads. Your patience will be greatly appreciated.

To view the latest river levels and flow rates for the Lower Darling, visit https://mdbwip.bom.gov.au/16/#4.6/-31.5/147

Commonwealth Financial Disaster Support

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Commonwealth financial disaster support has been extended to more areas of New South Wales following severe storms and flooding that continues to impact large areas of the state.

The one-off, non-means tested Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment of $1000 per eligible adult and $400 per eligible child is now available to eligible residents in Wentworth.

The easiest way for eligible people to claim is online through myGov, which is available 24 hours a day. For information on eligibility and how to apply, visit the Services Australia website or view the video below.

Special Disaster Grants for Primary Producers

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Assistance is now being provided to declared local government areas in NSW through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

Primary producers recovering from the devastating impacts of floods are receiving vital support, with Category D Special Disaster Grants of up to $75,000 now available.

Flood affected primary producers are encouraged to apply for the grant to support recovery and get back operating as soon as possible.

Once approved, primary producers may be eligible for a $25,000 up-front payment, with a further $50,000 in financial assistance available thereafter upon submission of valid tax invoices.

Further details: https://www.raa.nsw.gov.au/disaster-assistance/storm-and-flood-programs/sdg-aug-sep-2022

Further information can also be found by contacting Graeme Witte on 0447 283 688 at the NSW Rural Financial Counselling Service.

Flood Survey for Impacted Businesses

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The NSW Government would like to know the financial impacts of the recent storms and floods on businesses in flood affected areas.

If your business has been impacted, please complete this short 5 minute survey. Your input will support ongoing disaster response and help get assistance to those who need it.

Complete the survey

Flood Support Available via Disaster Recovery Allowance

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FLOOD SUPPORT AVAILABLE FOR WENTWORTH SHIRE COUNCIL RESIDENTS AFFECTED BY THE CURRENT FLOODS

Wentworth Shire Council residents affected by current flood waters now have access to the Federal Governments Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA) to support them through these tough times. The Federal Government has made the announcement with claims open from 2pm Monday 21 November 2022. The easiest way for people to claim is online through myGov or call Services Australia on 180 22 66. Further information can be found at https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/new-south-wales…

New South Wales Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience and Minister for Flood Recovery, the Hon Steph Cooke MP said “As the floodwaters continue to move downstream the number of communities impacted by flooding increases. We are now in our 67th day of this flood event, and in this time 75 local government areas have been declared natural disaster zones. We will continue to work with the Commonwealth to assess the impacts of this flooding and provide further financial support to individuals, families, farmers and business owners.”

Assistance for individuals may be obtained through Service NSW on 13 77 88. Assistance may include immediate assistance to meet the essential emergency needs of people who are directly affected by the floods and have no other means of meeting their immediate needs, Grants for essential household contents and Grants for essential structural repairs to homes.

Small businesses and primary producers may be eligible for assistance through Recovery Grants for primary producers, Freight subsidies for primary producers and Concessional interest rate loans (direct damage) to small businesses and primary producers. Contact NSW Rural Assistance Authority on 1800 678 593.

Small business or not-for-profit organisations in the Wentworth Shire that have been directly impacted by storms and floods may be eligible for a storm and flood disaster recovery small business grant. This disaster recovery grant of up to $50,000 is to help pay for the costs of clean-up and reinstatement of a small business or not-for-profit organisation’s operations. For more information Contact Service NSW on 13 77 88 or visit https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/…/apply-disaster…

Assistance to sporting and recreation clubs may be available to help community clubs in meeting the costs of restoration of essential club facilities that have been damaged or destroyed in floods. This is in the form of a small grant and loan. Clubs should contact the NSW Treasury via email at natural_disasters@treasury.nsw.gov.au .

Voluntary non-profit organisations may also be eligible for a loan assistance and should contact NSW Rural Assistance Authority on 1800 678 593 for further information.

Essential Energy – Safety during floods

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Essential Energy has released a fact sheet on important information on what to do during a flood event. Please read to ensure you are prepared.

essential-energy-flood_fact_sheetDownload