If you missed it, a new support package for Northern NSW was announced by the Australian Government late last week and it included $742 million to further support primary industry, businesses, rural landholders, councils and residents affected by the flood event.
Flood-affected residents can apply for the additional $2000 per adult and $800 per child. See this or pop into the Mullumbimby Recovery Centre at the Civic Hall for face-to-face assistance with your application. Services Australia will have their mobile bus in Billinudgel tomorrow, Tuesday 22nd March. Staff will be able to help people with disaster payment financial assistance, queries about Centrelink and Medicare and more. The bus will be opposite the Billinudgel Hotel from 9:30am to 3:30pm.
In other good news, the ’emergency fix’ phase for Main Arm and Palmwoods is now complete, with road access restored for those two communities.
We’re in the process of shifting into the next phase, which involves work on permanent road and bridge rebuilding in these areas. We will continue liaising with local residents and community organisations on progress.
Our teams are still busy in the hinterland areas and request that only local and emergency traffic drive through the Wilsons Creek and Huonbrook areas.
We are hearing anecdotally of people falling sick after swimming in the rivers and oceans. There are obviously a range of other hazards in the water when it is turbid after a flood event that could pose risks to health. It is common sense not to enter the water when it is turbid, dirty and full of debris.
Mullumbimby Recovery Precinct
We understand that lots of people still need help after the flood event with many just emerging from the shock of the last few weeks. The good news is that the Mullumbimby Recovery Precinct is still full of super helpful people and organisations who can give you the help you need, face-to-face.
Change of hours
Please make a note that as of this week, the opening hours for the Mullumbimby Recovery Precinct have changed:
- Monday – Friday from 9am – 4:30pm
- Saturdays – 9am – 2pm
- Sundays – closed.
Come and have a chat and get assistance with everything from accessing disaster payments and insurance, to mental health support and donated food and groceries.
Clean-up Updates
Bulk Waste Collection
We have completed the flood waste collection in most areas. We are asking people not to put any further items on the kerbside from this point in time.
If you do still have genuine, flood waste please contact the Resource Recovery Hotline on 1300 652 652 and we will assist you. Flood waste can also be taken to the Byron Resource Recovery Centre between 8am and 4pm on weekdays and 8:30am until 11:30am on weekends.
Waste on the kerbside has the potential to be a public health risk and an environmental hazard. It can also increase the occurrence of illegal dumping. We have reports of people coming from other areas dumping in front of flood affected properties which is heartbreaking. If you see any illegal dumping activity please use or Rid Online (Report Illegal Dumping).
Skip Bins
The skip bins have been removed from the Ocean Shores Salad Bowl, Alidenes Road and the Mullumbimby Netball Courts.
Unfortunately, the bins were being misused by some individuals who have been dumping general household waste. These areas will now be monitored for illegal dumping and fines apply.
People who have not had access to kerbside pick-up services due to landslides and road closures will still have skip bins available. We will continue to work with these communities to provide waste solutions.
News from the Byron Resource Recovery Centre
The Byron Resource Recovery Centre and Secondhand Shop are open to the general public. Anyone wishing to claim free flood waste disposal will need to provide proof of residency.
Please be aware that builders waste is not classified as flood waste – this will be charged at the standard rate at the weighbridge.
Hazardous waste
Thank you to everyone who voiced their concerns about hazardous waste left on kerbside including BBQ gas bottles, paint, oils and paints. We have a specialised contractor who has been collecting hazardous waste separately and they will continue going to all flood affected areas this week. This job should be finished by the end of this week.
Roads and Bridges Update
Englishes Bridge
Great news – the cracks that appeared in the timber on Friday were able to be repaired and the works were finished on Saturday morning. Thanks to everyone’s efforts, this bridge is now open to traffic but please be aware that a 15 tonne load limit applies. Crews are still onsite tidying up the area.
Now that temporary access has been restored, we move onto the big job of rebuilding Englishes bridge permanently. Council is doing a Geotech investigation this week and hoping to begin rebuilding the bridge as soon as possible.
Repairs to Coopers Creek Road flood damage will also get underway this week. This road has already been cleared for access but there is further damage that needs to be fixed.
Huonbrook
The washed out road at Huonbrook is now trafficable and long-term repairs will follow.
The Australian Defence Force have finished the timber foot bridges across the Huonbrook landslips to allow safe pedestrian access. There will be ongoing monitoring of the landslips and bridges and they may need to be closed if there’s significant rainfall or an increased risk of further slipping after safety inspections.
Other areas
In Federal, Wanganui and Upper Wilsons Creek, teams are working on geotechnical drilling, risk assessments, and designs to repair these roads and restore access.
Grants and Government Financial Assistance
- Red Cross 2022 Flood Grant applications are now open.
- BizRebuild vouchers – Business Council of Australia
- NSW and Australian Government grant and financial assistance information
