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Clean-up assistance for South Gippsland damages from recent flooding by Allan Labor government called on by Danny O'Brien

Danny O'Brien urges the state government to aid in the cleanup of flood and storm damage in South Gippsland, highlighting the need for assistance for homeowners, businesses, farmers, and councils.

By news@gippsland - 1st January 2024 - Back to News

The Nationals Member for Gippsland South, Danny O'Brien, says state government assistance will be needed to clean up South Gippsland after last week's destructive flood and storm event. Mr O'Brien has called on the Allan government to step in to support the clean-up process for homeowners, businesses, farmers and local councils.

Though insurance is primary, there's a need for state government aid in clean up from the mess and assist businesses and farmers, potentially through national disaster funding

Storm damage response

Mr O'Brien said, "The early morning Boxing Day storm and rain event caused rapid flooding that caught many communities by surprise and led to significant localised damage. In the Gippsland South electorate, the rain was heaviest in an arc from Sale through Yarram and to Welshpool and Toora, with significant damage in Welshpool and surrounding communities in particular."

"On Thursday, once roads had safely re-opened, I visited Welshpool, Toora and the Yarram and Woodside area to see the damage first-hand and speak with locals most affected. While insurance is of course the first port of call, there is a case for clean-up assistance from the state government to help businesses and farmers clean up the mess, as was done after the 2021 storm events. Such support could be provided under the national Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) with funding from the Commonwealth government," he said.

Mr O'Brien said South Gippsland and Wellington Shires will have big bills for road and other infrastructure damage and will need support. "There is also significant damage to our rivers and other waterways and the West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority will likely need grant funding to repair and restore many of our natural features."

Pictures from Foster Community Online website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com