Troops join flood clean-up as insurance claims surge

The horror flooding of the Mid-North Coast and Hunter which has destroyed 800 homes has been deemed “catastrophic” by insurers, who have had almost 5000 claims lodged with them already.

The horror flooding of the Mid North Coast and Hunter which has destroyed 800 homes has been deemed ‘catastrophic’ by insurers, who have had almost 5000 claims lodged with them already following the disaster.

The wave of claims came as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed one-off $1000 payments to flood-impacted residents, with $400 available to children, would be rolled out from Wednesday.

Questioned on Tuesday over residents who were also struck by floods in 2021 battling to afford subsequent insurance, Mr Albanese said “we expect insurance companies to do right by their customers and swiftly process claims”.

Insurance Council of Australia CEO Andrew Hall said the decision to upgrade the event from a significant level to catastrophic “reflects the breadth and severity of damage caused to impacted communities”.

“Insurers are on the ground in affected areas right now providing that support … and this upgrade will ensure all the resources necessary are there to support people through this challenging time,” Mr Hall said.

NSW Police late on Tuesday said a third man had been charged over allegedly looting from flood-affected properties.

Cattle and silage farmer James Dunbier, 38, said he would remain in the region despite the flood devastating his farm and wiping out almost half of his breeding cows. Picture: Thomas Lisson

Police at about 3.30am alleged they saw the man placing items from the street in Wingham into the rear of a hatchback, with police saying a search of the vehicle allegedly revealed tools, paintings, family photos, DVDs, tyres and a fish tank.

It came as 70 defence force personnel hit the Mid North Coast on Tuesday to assist in the massive clean-up, with an estimated 65,000 tonnes of debris needing to be cleared.

Cattle and silage farmer James Dunbier, 38, said he would remain in the region despite the flood devastating his farm and wiping out almost half of his breeding cows.

“It’s good country, that’s why I’m staying,” he said.

Seventy defence force personnel hit the Mid-North Coast on Tuesday to assist in the massive clean-up. Picture: Thomas Lisson

“Of my 35 breeding cows, 18 survived, some of them calves. I’ve got a gelding and mare … but lost three kids ponies …(but) why run? Chances of having a one in 500 chance of flood again in my lifetime, I don’t think so.”

His neighbour, fellow farmer David Knowles, died in the floods after telling the SES to rescue Mr Dunbier and his family first.

“He was a good guy, a gentleman, everyone here looks out for one another,” he said.

Tom Donehue, 65, and his wife Christine were due to settle on their home of 26 years on Friday but the flood washed away his plans.

There is an estimated 65,000 tonnes of debris to be cleared. Picture Thomas Lisson

Standing on the banks of the Manning River behind his home in Wingham, the machine fitter said: “I’m just ready to walk away, I can’t deal with this again”.

“Who is going to buy this now, we were selling to move south to be closer to the kids, at some point you make the call when to pull the pin before you’re too old to maintain the upkeep of the house … It’s finished for us now,” he said.