COUNCIL TO SEEK NATURAL DISASTER DECLARATION

Published on 15 April 2020

With significant rainfall again falling across the Gilgandra Shire late last week, flooding has created major damage to the local road network.

Council will be applying for natural disaster status through the NSW Government Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements 2018 (DRFA) which then triggers funding opportunities to commence works to restore the road network and infrastructure.

General Manager, Mr David Neeves said the current level of damage is extensive, with last week’s rainfall compounding the damage from rain events in recent months.

“Council roads have experienced an excessive amount of damage as a result of the flooding and staff are in the process of assessing the level. The damage is consistent across all 1250 km’s of the local road network.

Adding,

“Seeking a natural disaster declaration requires Council to assess and quantify the damage, prepare cost estimates for the restoration works, make application and obtain an approval before any restoration works can be undertaken”, Mr Neeves said.

Council underwent a similar process in 2016 to secure a declaration and subsequent funding following prolonged wet conditions. In the 2016 event, Council secured $4.5 million in funding, which resulted in extensive restoration works undertaken throughout the Shire.

“The process to secure a declaration could take months to finalise the claim and receive approval to commence restoration works”, said Mr Neeves. “I appreciate there will be a period of rough roads and frustration for road users, however Council needs to seek the disaster declaration and optimise the funding potential and longer term benefit for our ratepayers. The outcomes achieved and the high quality work that resulted from the 2016 declaration reinforces the importance and benefit of following this process”.

Emergency works are different however, in that if the road condition presents an immediate risk then Council will instigate temporary rectification but it will not involve full restoration works.

Council will provide a further update regarding the disaster declaration process and timeframe for works to be undertaken once it becomes available.

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Contact

David Neeves
General Manager
Ph 68178800