From the Mayor’s desk: Cr Claire Pontin

THE communities of the MidCoast area have just experienced the worst flood in living memory.

Council staff and I are working round the clock to address the widespread damage that this has caused and to seek ongoing support from the State and Federal emergency support agencies.

I have been meeting with Ministers and agency heads to ensure that they are well informed on progress and to seek additional support for the cleanup and for affected families and businesses.

I have followed these discussions up with a formal request to the Premier seeking a higher level of financial support for those devastated by the MidCoast floods.

My heart goes out to the people of the MidCoast whose lives have been disrupted.

There was widespread inundation and devastation of homes, both commercial and primary production businesses, extensive damage to public infrastructure, and the isolation of many communities.

The scale of this disaster is unprecedented.

Hundreds of homes have been rendered uninhabitable.

Friends, neighbours, workmates and family members have been displaced, with their lives upended in a matter of hours.

The emotional and financial toll on residents and business owners cannot be overstated.

The recovery is going to be long and hard.

I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the emergency services that supported our community during the flood and continue to do so as we face the mammoth clean up.

In the face of adversity, the spirit of our community has shone brightly.

Residents have come together to support one another, offering shelter, supplies, and assistance to those in need. Local businesses have opened their doors to provide resources, and volunteers have worked tirelessly to aid in rescue and recovery efforts.

This collective resilience and compassion are testaments to the strength of our community.

Council teams have worked around the clock – often in difficult and distressing circumstances – first providing essential services during horrendous conditions and then quickly shifting into the long and difficult road to recovery.
Their efforts have been instrumental in supporting our community during this challenging time.

Council is committed to supporting the community through this and will continue working with state and federal governments, local organisations, and residents to ensure residents have the resources, information, and assistance needed to recover and rebuild, together.

I have been calling for urgent housing support, business recovery assistance, mental health services, funding for infrastructure repair, and a greater investment to help make our infrastructure more resilient next time.

Council is here to help. If you have any questions or need any information pertaining to the flood, clean up and assistance please visit the Flood Recovery page on Council’s website.

By Mayor Claire PONTIN