Nationals Member for Myall Lakes, Tanya Thompson, has praised the more than 6,000 emergency personnel and volunteers supporting flood-affected communities across the Myall Lakes and Mid North Coast.
Mrs Thompson said over 4,000 people from NSW Government agencies, including the SES, RFS, Fire and Rescue NSW, and Transport for NSW, are working across the Great Lakes, Manning, and Gloucester areas.
"We have seen so many locals, emergency workers and even international crews rally together and lend a hand," Mrs Thompson said. "There's still a lot of work to go but crews are on the ground every day getting the job done."
Transport for NSW crews have repaired over 5,500 potholes and removed 1,500 tonnes of debris from main roads, including sections of the Pacific Highway. Waste removal teams have already cleared more than 10,000 cubic metres of flood-damaged material.
"Safe road access is critical to getting our region moving again," Mrs Thompson said. "I'm incredibly grateful to everyone working in these difficult conditions to make that happen."
NSW SES is also coordinating community volunteers, while NSW Maritime staff have conducted over 60 urgent tasks on waterways such as the Manning River, including evacuations and hazard assessments.
An extra 24 police officers have been deployed to help deter looting, and more than 8,400 property damage assessments have been completed. Over 1,000 buildings are currently uninhabitable, with some communities still isolated.
Mrs Thompson said our communities are turning up for each other day in and day out, and we need to ensure the government does the same.
"I will continue to stand with those affected and push the government for the short and long term support our communities need and deserve."
Residents should wait for NSW SES clearance before returning to properties. For clean-up safety advice, visit the NSW Health website: www.health.nsw.gov.au/emergency_preparedness/weather/Pages/household-cleanup.aspx
