Susanna Freymark
As a flood funding announcement was being made outside the council chambers in Casino, today, Monday, March 17, Bungawalbin was getting yet another flood notification.
This time it was an Advice warning that the flood threat had reduced and residents could return with caution.
Special Envoy for Disaster Recovery Senator Tony Sheldon was in Casino to announce that the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment would now extend to Richmond Valley, Kyogle and Clarence Valley residents.
A few days ago when the payment was announced, it did not include Richmond Valley and Clarence Valley but specific locations such as The Flat in Kyogle and Yamba in Clarence Valley. Applications for the funding opens today, March 17 at 2pm.
Why the change of heart?
Mr Sheldon said the Disaster Recovery Payment was announced very early, a lesson they learned from the 2022 floods.
“As data became available, we made the announcement for those council areas,” he said.
IndyNR.com reported on Richmond Valley being left out here — Why has Richmond Valley been left off the list for the Federal Govt Disaster Recovery Payment?
Before the expected hit from Cyclone Alfred, state and federal governments preemptively announced $4—$6million in grants for councils impacted by the floods.
This time round, as opposed to the 2022 floods, council got the money up front to do emergency repair work.
Richmond Valley mayor Robert Mustow welcomed today’s announcement and the inclusion of Richmond Valley residents.
Council’s general manager Vaughan Macdonald said from a council perspective they were getting in and cleaning up.
“The lower Richmond Valley still has floodwater. The main impact is on the road network,” he said.
“Riverside Park in Casino has a lot of debris as well as the caravan park in Coraki.
“There is debris at Woodburn park too.”
Mr Sheldon said the government had learned from 2022.
He said more funding was being put into infrastructure and the betterment of that infrastructure.
“More work has been done in light of what happened in 2022,” Mr Sheldon said.
“The hard work is done by council.”
The Disaster Recovery Payment offers up to $1000 for adults and $400 for a child.
There are strict eligibility criteria and the payment won’t be made to everyone.
The criteria include if a person has suffered the most extreme impacts including major damage to their home, serious injury, or loss of a loved one as a result of ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
The payment is administered by the Australian Government and people can check their eligibility on the Services Australia website. Or go to my.gov.au
Make a claim through or call the Australian Government Emergency Information Line on 180 22 66.
Here is a list of other flood recovery payments.