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.

New Wentworth Shire Council Branding

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Introducing the new Wentworth Shire Council Branding.

Our main objectives:

  • To improve communication with the local community.
  • To create a brand that’s inclusive, transparent, progressive and friendly.
  • To strengthen and build awareness of the Wentworth Shire Council outside the region.
  • The organic leaf shapes have been designed to symbolise growth and the unique landscapes in and around the Wentworth Shire.
  • The brand colouring was chosen to reflect the natural environment including land, water, flora and the open blue skies.
  • The “W” icon is inspired by the Junction of the Murray and Darling rivers, connecting the three shapes, which also represent movement, irrigation, and progress.
  • Another key design consideration was associating the council branding with the tourism branding. This was achieved by incorporating the “W” icon into both identities, combining the overall brand colour palette, and sharing the same typefaces.

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

Buronga EDS Closure

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The Buronga Houseboat Sewerage Pump Out Facility (Buronga EDS) will be closed indefinitely as at 5pm today (7 November 2022) due to the flood situation.

Mosquito bite prevention resources

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Warmer weather and this year’s higher than average rain make the perfect conditions for a big mosquito season. Many people don’t know that in NSW, mosquitoes can also spread viruses such as Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), Murray Valley encephalitis and Ross River virus.

While serious illness and hospitalisation from these viruses is rare, the more mosquitoes, the greater the risk.

The best protection against mosquitoes and the diseases they carry is to avoid mosquito bites. We’re encouraging the NSW community to take the steps to protect and keep mozzies away this summer by:

  • Wearing and reapplying repellent: repellent containing DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus should be used on any areas of exposed skin and reapplied regularly.
  • Covering up while outside: wear light, loose-fitting long-sleeved shirts, long pants and covered footwear with socks, particularly at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
  • Keeping mosquitoes out: close doors and windows when indoors or install fly screens where possible. You can also use mosquito nets around beds or when camping.
  • Stop mosquitoes breeding: mosquitoes breed in stagnant water. Remove items from around the home that might collect water such as pot plant saucers, toys, and old tyres.
  • Vaccination: If you live in some areas of NSW, you may be eligible for a free JEV vaccination – talk to your GP.

A toolkit containing newsletter and website copy, social tiles and posts, fact sheet and posters is available. See below:

221103_Mosqutio_bite_prevention_behavioursDownload

For more information and advice on how to reduce the risk of JEV and other mosquito-borne diseases, please visit health.nsw.gov.au.

Please contact engagewithus@customerservice.nsw.gov.au if you have any questions or would like additional resources.

If you are in a flood impacted community, please continue to check nsw.gov.au for more information about all available assistance.

Flood Updates – Local Roads and Other Site Closures

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Council staff have compiled a list of local roads and other council facilities that are currently closed due to the high river. Please view this list via the link below. This page will be maintained to provide up to date information on local roads and council facilities.

This page is also accessible via our road conditions page.

Flood Updates – Local Roads and Other Site Closures

Japanese Encephalitis Update

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JAPANESE ENCEPHALITIS UPDATE – 26 October 2022

Mosquitos can spread Japanese Encephalitis. It is a rare but serious infection.

Protect yourself from mosquitos by:

  • Wear loose and light-coloured clothing with closed shoes while you are outdoors
  • Avoid staying outdoors at sunrise and sunset
  • Apply insect repellent on skin that contains DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus
  • Use insecticide sprays and mosquito coils
  • Cover windows and doors with insect screens
  • Remove containers with water outside your house where mosquitos can breed

If you have any health concerns and need language support, call TIS 131 450 and ask for Health Direct. Tel 1800 022 222.