Storm Recovery

Do you need assistance after the November storm event?

The following information is provided from the Coffs Harbour Local Emergency Management Committee for people affected by the November storm and flooding events.

Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payments
The Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP) of $1000 per eligible adult and $400 per eligible child has been activated to assist people who have been adversely affected following the November 5 storms and associated flooding. For information regarding eligibility contact Centrelink on 180 2333, visit your nearest Centrelink office, or see the Centrelink website. 

Disposal of flood-damaged household goods
Register for free pick-up of storm damaged household goods by calling Coffs Harbour City Council on 6648 4000.  Items should be placed at the property boundary for pick-up.

Coping with Emergencies
Emergencies can be very stressful and traumatic.  If you, or someone you know is in need of support during this time the following services can be accessed:
The Mental Health Access Line - 1300 369 968.
Interrelate - 6651 1010
Lifeline - 13 11 14

Useful Contacts and Helplines

Community Services- provides disaster relief grants under the NSW Disaster Relief Scheme for contents and structural repairs to people on a low income and not covered by insurance.  For further information visit their website - www.community.nsw.gov.au - or contact the Disaster Welfare Centre on 1800 018 444.

Housing NSW - provides Temporary Accommodation for people who are in housing crisis due to natural disasters. Rental assistance can also be provided through the  Rentstart program.  For further information phone 1300 HOUSING (1300 468 746), visit your nearest office, or access website at www.housing.nsw.gov.au

Department of Primary Industries - for information in relation to livestock, fisheries and agriculture, phone 1800 808 095 or visit www.dpi.nsw.gov.au

Insurance Council of Australia - for information and advice on related insurance matters call - 1300 728 228 or visit the website at www.insurancecouncil.com.au

Office of Fair Trading - provides information and assistance in relation to consumer issues including home repairs, rental rights and responsibilities.  Visit www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au or contact 13 32 20.

Anyone still requiring assistance following the March 31 storm, can seek advice and information from a number of helplines:

• Legal Aid Commission -  02 6651 7899
• Primary producers'/small business grants and low interest loans - 1800 814 647
• NSW Natural Disaster Assistance (sporting & voluntary clubs) -  02 9228 5198
• Damaged Vehicle Stamp Duty Relief - 1300 556 814

Natural Disaster Relief Assistance Recovery Grants
Natural Disaster Relief Assistance Recovery Grants of up to $15,000 are available to primary producers through the NSW Rural Assistance Authority. For more information, call 1800 678 593.

Health information
Read North Coast Area Health Service's After Flood Clean Up Advice for general health-related information regarding cleaning up after a flood. Following this advice will reduce the risk of injury, sickness or infection.

Water use during clean-up
Residents in flood-affected areas are being offered cost-free water to help with the clean-up of properties. Residents who need this service are being asked to contact Council on 6648 4000 to make the request.  They will be offered the option of having any excess water use taken off their next water bill. This will be calculated by averaging out water accounts for the last two periods and any difference - due to the water used for clean-ups - will be taken off the following bill. 

Missing or damaged rubbish bins
If your rubbish bins are missing or have been damaged contact the Coffs Coast Waste Information Hotline:
1800 265 495

March 31 Storm Flood Survey Results

The Coffs Coast Recovery Committee instigated a survey of Coffs Harbour and Bellingen residents affected by the March 31 storm flood. The results of this survey which closed on 16 October 2009.

Read the  report here (360KB).