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Mayor of Liverpool Ned Mannoun today thanked the NSW State Emergency Services (NSW SES) Liverpool Unit for responding to hundreds of calls for help including saving lives in swift water flood rescues during the recent flooding crisis.

In what has been a case of history repeating itself, Mayor Mannoun expressed the utter devastation that has gripped the community.

“Another major flooding event in such a short period of time is a hard pill to swallow,” Mayor Mannoun said. “However, we can draw comfort from the fact that many personnel on the ground were even better prepared and able to identify problematic areas earlier this time around.”

“I want to applaud the efforts of those who supported our community particularly the NSW SES. This organisation is run by local volunteers who put the safety and welfare of their neighbours before their own. We are truly grateful for these heroes.”

“Liverpool is a resilient community, and it is during times of hardship that this shines through.”

Mayor Mannoun conveyed this sentiment at a meeting last week with NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet, Minister for Local Government Wendy Tuckerman, Minister for Flood Recovery, Emergency Services and Resilience Stephanie Cooke and Secretary of the NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet Michael Coutts-Trotter.

The meeting also included mayors from other flood affected areas, discussing the short- and long-term impacts on their communities and government support needed to help kickstart recovery.

“I want to personally thank the NSW Premier and Ministers for taking the time to hear firsthand the challenges we are experiencing and look forward to the Government’s response,” Mayor Mannoun said.

Mayor Mannoun also commended the 70 Council staff and contractors who worked around the clock to help the NSW SES. Council staff and contractors were involved in planning with the NSW SES and deployed to assist with road closure monitoring and management, traffic control and emergency road and infrastructure repairs.

“Anything our wonderful staff could do to help on the ground they did, from sandbagging to plugging potholes,” Mayor Mannoun said.

“We provided over 20,000 kilograms of sand to the community and filled over 100 potholes with up to 1000 more potholes expected to be fixed over the coming days and weeks.”

Mayor Mannoun also reminded residents to check their eligibility requirements for flood assistance payments recently made available by the Australian government.