More Natural Disaster Declarations for Northern NSW

1st December 2011 Ministerial Media Release The NSW Government has today announced an additional seven councils have had Natural Disaster Declarations following recent heavy rain and significant flooding in Northern NSW. Police and Emergency Services Minister, Michael Gallacher, has today extended the declarations to Gunnedah, Narrabri, Gwydir, Muswellbrook, Liverpool Plains, Tamworth and the Upper Hunter Shire Councils. On Tuesday the Local Government Areas of Moree Plains, Inverell and Armidale were declared Natural Disasters following extensive flooding. "I toured parts of the affected region on the weekend and saw firsthand the damage that has occurred. "The Natural Disaster Declarations for these areas activates a number of assistance schemes for home, land and business owners under the NSW Disaster Assistance Arrangements," Minister Gallacher said. "I again applaud the men and women of the State Emergency Services and others emergency service organisations as they communicate with residents and get on with the job of protecting property and lives. "Anyone needing help from the SES should contact their local unit on 132 500. In life threatening emergencies, always ring triple zero (000)," Minister Gallacher concluded.