Following the devastation of recent floods across the Hunter, the region’s ten Mayors signed a joint statement calling for more disaster support from the State and Federal Government. The statement acknowledged the improved and more timely response for disaster funding in comparison to previous disasters but argues that the impact of this flood in the face of multiple natural disasters does not extend far enough.

With many of the region’s communities still recovering from previous floods, coastal erosion, droughts, and bushfires the recovery period and cost is stacking up to be astronomical.

The Mayors called for increased financial support to be able to address urgent infrastructure repairs and to help their communities recover, prepare, and adapt. There is also a need to build back better to be more resilience to future disasters.

Nine out of ten of the Local Government Areas in the Hunter region were declared as disaster zones and the current repairs are beyond Local Government capabilities. State and Federal Government funding and resourcing is needed to provide the support required.

This statement has been featured in multiple publications across the region, demonstrating the importance and power of our Councils coming together with a united voice to advocate for the region and our communities.

You can read the full joint statement HERE.