[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/6″ offset=”vc_col-lg-1/5 vc_col-md-1/5 vc_col-xs-1/5″][us_image image=”11081″ size=”thumbnail” align=”left” style=”circle” has_ratio=”1″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/12″ offset=”vc_col-lg-4/5 vc_col-md-4/5 vc_col-xs-4/5″][vc_column_text]By Julian Leeser[/vc_column_text][us_post_date][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Three floods in two years would take its toll on any community, and the Hawkesbury River communities are no exception. Yet despite the July floods having been the worst to hit the Hawkesbury system in more than
30 years, local residents have faced the cleanup challenge with unwavering resilience.
I took Sussan Ley, Deputy Leader of the Opposition, to see the damage to properties and businesses in the Wisemans Ferry area. The Wisemans Ferry RFS took us out on the Hawkesbury River to see first-hand the devastation caused by the floods. Many residents, organisations and businesses had barely finished cleaning-up from the floods earlier this year. The Wisemans Ferry Bowling Club and the Men’s Shed were again hit hard.
When surveying the damage at Lower Portland and Sackville North, the damage to the caravan and ski-parks was confronting.
The NSW Government declared the flooding and extreme weather a natural disaster. This formality meant flood-affected communities could access government support. These measures, plus the tremendous work being done by the RFS, SES, ADF and community members, will facilitate a faster recovery.
Those residents, small businesses, producers and community organisations that are impacted by the floods can find information about the available support measures through my website: julianleeser.com.au/resources/flood-support/
Our community has much to be proud of. So many have stepped up to support each other and help keep the community safe in the face of disasters. If you need assistance accessing payments or advice on what you might be eligible for, please reach out to my office for help.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][us_image image=”82860″][/vc_column][/vc_row]
