MidCoast Council Mayor, Claire Pontin has welcomed news that an extension has been granted for emergency works following the May 1:500 year flood event that devastated parts of the region.
Following disaster events like the May floods, the state and federal governments provide Councils with a grace period of 90 days for reconstruction and emergency works. During that timeframe the cost for those works are reimbursed.
However, the extent of the damage at the moment is over $232 million, and expected to climb, and crews have only managed to get through a small fraction of that work.
With the 90-day deadline looming, Cr Pontin issued an urgent request for an extension from three to six months.
That extension was granted on Monday 28 July.
Cr Pontin said it was a small but important win, and she would continue advocating for more financial assistance for small businesses and other affected residents.
"It is great news. It means we can continue with the job of recovering from one of the worst floods in history," she explained.
"But the work isn't done yet and I will continue to advocate for more for our residents and businesses."
