NSW: Flooded mid-north coast declared natural disaster
18 Feb 2009 1:35 PM
SYDNEY, Feb 18 AAP - Floods in the mid-north of NSW have been declared a natural disaster, opening the way for government assistance for residents with property damage.
NSW Emergency Services Minister Steve Whan made the declaration on Wednesday afternoon for the Coffs Harbour, Bellingen, Nambucca, Kempsey and Hastings areas, a spokeswoman for the minister said.
Affected residents should call the State Disaster Recovery Centre on 1800 018 444 to ask for help, she said.
The town of Bellingen was cut off by floodwaters when the Bellinger River peaked on Tuesday.
The main road into Bellingen was reopened on Wednesday, but access to the mountains beyond the town was still cut off.
The disaster declaration for the mid-north coast floods follows a similar declaration for the central northern town of Bourke on Tuesday.
