Emergency Services Minister Steve Whan today said the NSW Government had declared a Natural Disaster in the State’s flooded West, while fresh data indicated $500 million had been wiped off the total value off the expected $3.2 billion bumper crop.

Mr Whan toured Coonamble yesterday afternoon and would continue to inspect other flood affected centres today.

The Minister thanked State Emergency Service volunteers and other emergency services personnel for their swift and professional response to help communities in need.

“This Natural Disaster declaration covers the Mid-Western Regional Council and Weddin, Wellington, Warrumbungle, Cootamundra, Coonamble, Harden and Young shires,”
Minister Whan said.

“Sustained heavy rainfall in recent days has led to flooding that has caused significant damage to these areas.

“With continuing rainfall predicted in coming days and weeks, we are monitoring the situation across the State and will extend this declaration, if needed, to include other impacted areas.

“The Mid-Western Regional Council, based in Mudgee, has estimated that it has sustained more than $12 million in damage to roads, causeways, culverts, drains, sports fields, parks, water and sewerage infrastructure and public buildings.

“The council’s clean-up bill to remove debris is estimated at another $1 million.

“Weddin and Young shires also have suffered damage to infrastructure, particularly roads, after sustained recent rains. Likewise, Wellington and Warrumbungle shires experienced
damage to roads, bridges and culverts,” he said.

Industry & Investment NSW estimates up to $500 million has been wiped off the value of the NSW winter crop with the latest rain event.

“This is simply devastating to farmer who after 10 years of drought will now see one sixth of their crop lost to rain,” Minister Whan said.

“The continuing wet weather is expected to cause major issues with grain quality for all crops - including wheat, barley, canola, chickpeas and lupins.

“The winter crop harvest has been brought to a halt across the State, with 60 per cent of the crop still in the paddock.

“In the northwest of the State about 60 pc of the wheat crop has been harvested, but the figure is about 40pc in the central west and only 20pc in the southwest.

“The damage is expected to be severe for up to a quarter of the crops left in paddocks now. In particular, almost half the State’s chickpea crop is so badly affected it may not be harvested.

“Some of the State’s winter crop is underwater and in many cases it will be weeks until paddocks are dry enough for machinery to traffic – by which time grain may have shot and sprung.

“Further adding to the woes of growers is the fact that by the time the paddocks and crops dry out, the need for harvesting equipment and transport will be critical,” he said.

Minister Whan said the natural disaster declaration triggered a range of assistance for those directly impacted in the affected areas.

"The Keneally Government stands ready to provide these communities with the help they need to recover from this natural disaster,” he said.

"A range of people who have suffered property damage, including residents, primary producers, business owners and councils, can now seek assistance.”

Minister Whan said the SES had so far responded to 718 requests for assistance around the state, with teams attending to flash flooding, fallen trees, blocked gutters and leaking roofs.

The emergency services also have performed 26 flood rescues.

Minister Whan congratulated the volunteers from the SES and other emergency services for their hard work and commitment to serving the community in times of natural disasters and other emergencies.

“Our emergency services do an outstanding job to protect and assist the community in times of need. We owe them a great debt of gratitude," he said.

“I also want to thank their families and our volunteers’ employers for their ongoing support.”

Mr Whan urged people not to enter or allow their children to play in floodwaters and to take simple precautions now to prepare their properties for the risk of further damaging rainfall and flooding throughout the summer.

Anyone needing help from the SES should contact their local unit on 132 500. In a life-threatening emergency, always ring Triple Zero (000).

Landholders are asked to call 1800 814 647 to report flood damage to their properties.

NSW Natural disaster schemes