Hills Shire: Flood recovery initiatives approved by council

A helping hand has been extended to The Hills community following the recent flood devastation, with the community one of the worst-hit in metropolitan Sydney. See what support is in store.

A helping hand has been extended to The Hills community following the recent flood devastation, with the community one of the worst-hit in metropolitan Sydney.

Thousands of residents called on the NSW State Emergency Service (SES) for help, with the natural disaster seeing volunteers work more than 3000 hours and handle 51 tonnes of sand in just The Hills area.

The floods caused more than $11 million worth of damage to roads, parks and infrastructure.

Blue Gum Rd, Annangrove, was inundated with flood waters. Picture: Daniel Shaw.

Now, a flood recovery package has been unanimously endorsed by council to help the community and business owners rebuild their lives.

The package will allow residents to waive fees and compliance levies on previously approved developments impacted by the floods, and will also extend to applications which cover the installation or operation of sewage management systems.

For homeowners, council will offer free assistance with the clearing of vegetation or debris.

Fees for applications lodged up until June 2023 will also be waived for caravan park operators.

Wisemans Ferry resident Noelene Hitchcock, helped put food packs together at local bowling club.

The NSW Government has set up a flood recovery centre at Wisemans Ferry which offers a range of support services and resources, including accommodation advice, help with replacing lost documents, mental health services and legal support.

In a statement, Flood Recovery Minister Steph Cooke said the recovery centre would provide much-needed assistance to flood-affected residents.

“Whether it’s replacing damaged documents, receiving help with the clean-up, registering for emergency accommodation or accessing mental health services, I encourage everyone to visit a nearby recovery centre and find out what you are eligible for,” she said.

The Hills Shire mayor Peter Gangemi said he hoped the flood relief package would send a signal of support.

“This is the second time in the past 12-months that The Hills Shire has been impacted by a major flood event,” he said.

“Flood levels … (have exceeded) last year’s heights, which is devastating for our community. It’s also an emotional and stressful time for those who have only just rebuilt.”

SES brought essentials to residents cut off in the northern reaches of The Hills. Picture: Jane Dempster.

A council spokeswoman said flood recovery efforts are continuing to take place.

“Council crews and contractors continue to carry out repairs and stabilisation works, particularly within the northern region of the shire, which was impacted earlier this month by flood waters,” the spokeswoman said.

Council crews are currently focusing on fixing pothole requests.