NSW: Bourke declared natural disaster zone following floods
17 Feb 2009 2:39 PM
SYDNEY, Feb 17 AAP - The NSW government has declared Bourke a natural disaster zone following major flooding in the state's north-west over the weekend.
Emergency Services Minister Steve Whan visited Bourke on Tuesday to inspect flood damage and thank local emergency services for their efforts.
Almost 200mm of rain - about two-thirds the drought-affected region's annual rainfall - fell over 15 hours from last Friday night, causing extensive flooding in the town and surrounding district.
Mr Whan said the problems caused by the torrential downpour were compounded by a further 27mm of rain on Monday.
"The natural disaster declaration, covering the Bourke Shire Council area, will provide for a range of assistance to residents, council and business owners who suffered property damage," he said in a statement.
"Most importantly, it will ensure council is reimbursed for the cost of repairing public infrastructure, particularly significant damage to roads and the water and sewerage systems."
