Port Macquarie Hastings Council has immediately moved to re-open key road networks and services, as well as prioritise immediate waste recovery measures, in a bid to support residents impacted by last week's severe weather event.
While major road networks are reopening and the transition from emergency response to recovery commences, we are still very much aware of the significant need to continue supporting some of our vulnerable and isolated communities still impacted by flood waters.
"Their safety and wellbeing remain our priority," Mayor Roberts said. "We are doing everything to continue to support those communities through our coordinated emergency operations.
"For those residents who are returning home to flood-impacted properties, we have implemented immediate measures for you to dispose of your waste. We are now encouraging you to safely dispose of and sort your flood affected waste - which can now be moved to the kerbside. This waste will be collected progressively, with some collection already occurring in accessible areas.
"For those wishing to take flood-affected waste to our waste transfer stations, you can do so for free of charge until 13 June. This will allow time for our community to take stock and recover from the effects of this natural disaster."
Mayor Roberts said it was important that these key waste measures were enacted as soon as possible to help residents recover faster.
"We have implemented these decisions with speed to make it as easy as possible for people to get back on their feet," he said.
At the North Shore, efforts are still being made to reconnect our Settlement Point Ferry Service. The ferry remains temporarily out of service,
with an update on timing around the resumption of the service to be provided later today (Sunday).
Resupplies for essential items to the North Shore are being coordinated through the SES and community efforts, and they will continue as needed.
SES are also coordinating structural inspections of affected properties, with the Rural Fire Service and Fire and Rescue NSW undertaking cleans of flood-affected properties across the coming days.
A reminder that our beaches remain closed. Clean-up crews will be deployed this week to assist with the removal of larger items of debris and rubbish off our beaches, as well as our roads and open spaces.
A Recovery Assistance Line (6581 8444) has also now been established for general inquiries about the recovery efforts. The line is operating daily between 9am and 4:30pm.
