Joint media release with the Hon Jihad Dib MP
The Albanese and Minns Governments are supporting communities in the Walgett Local Government Area (LGA) following the impacts of a severe thunderstorm causing damage and disruption to the township of Carinda on 17 November, 2024.
Through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), support will be available to Walgett Shire Council to help with the costs of cleaning up and restoring damaged essential public assets.
Assistance includes:
- Support for eligible residents to help meet immediate needs like emergency accommodation and replacing essential household contents.
- Support for Walgett Shire Council to help with the costs of cleaning up and restoring damaged essential public assets.
- Assistance to low income, uninsured eligible residents to replace damaged essential household items or undertake repairs to return their house to a safe, habitable standard.
The NSW Reconstruction Authority is working closely with Walgett Shire Council, NSW SES and other recovery partners to provide assistance on the ground.
A Helpline has been set up to support residents in their recovery. People can call (02) 9212 9311 during business hours on weekdays and from 10am to 4pm on Saturdays and Sundays for support.
A Recovery Assistance Point (RAP) will open tomorrow (Tuesday, 26 November) at the Carinda Footy Ground from 10am to 4pm. Impacted residents are encouraged to attend the RAP to access household and mental health support as well as legal and insurance advice. The RAP will remain open until Thursday 28 November.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management Jenny McAllister said it has been an incredibly difficult time for the communities who have been impacted by the storms.
“We know that this storm event had a significant impact on the Carinda community.”
“The assistance being activated by both levels of government today will help the Council clean up and repair critical assets as quickly as possible. It will support and complement the immediate recovery efforts that are currently rolling out on-the-ground.”
“I want to acknowledge the work of first responders, who have come in from surrounding areas to help the community.”
“We will continue working closely with the NSW Government to understand what the community needs and how we can continue to assist.”
NSW Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said the NSW Government is committed to helping the Council rebuild essential public assets after the severe thunderstorm.
“This storm caused severe damage across Carinda and emergency services have been on the ground ensuring the community is safe, as well as assisting with urgent repairs and clean-up,” Minister Dib said.
“The NSW Government has been working closely with Walgett Shire Council to assess the damage and now the NSW Reconstruction Authority will be on the ground to support the community with their recovery.”
Member for Barwon Roy Butler said the assistance for the Walgett area would be welcomed and had been activated quickly to support the community as it recovers from the storm.
“This is a great example of all levels of Government working together to get support out to the community, providing vital assistance to help Carinda get back on its feet,” he said.
“This Assistance from the Australian and State Government is welcome. This community has been hit hard by this storm and will need help to recover.”
Further information on disaster assistance can be found on the Australian Government’s Disaster Assist website.
