Council secures Natural Disaster Assistance Funding
Wingecarribee Shire Council’s application to the Office of Emergency Management for Natural Disaster Assistance funding has been approved following the East Coast Low storm event which lashed the Shire in early June.
A detailed claim for restoration works to essential public assets was submitted to the Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) as the administrators of emergency funding for roads and bridges under the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA).
The claim process required Council to submit a detailed damage assessment, evidence of damage and full costings which amounted to over $2.2 million.
Council’s General Manager Ann Prendergast said the damage incurred was widespread.
“Not one of our towns or villages escaped some degree of water damage,” she said.
“Preparing the claim was a complex and lengthy process with approval subject to damage inspections and close scrutiny by the RMS. We are delighted to confirm that our claim has been approved,” continued Ms Prendergast.
The RMS will provide $2,207,667 for restoration works on local and regional roads with Council funding the remaining balance of $29,000.
A Schedule of Works has been provided for the restoration of roads and bridges to the equivalent of their pre-damage condition.
Roads to be restored include Belmore Falls Road, Greenhills Road, Range Road and Merrigang Street.
“Works will commence immediately based on a priority set by a risk assessment,” said Ms Prendergast.
“Due to the widespread extent of the damage, it is anticipated that it could take the best part of 12 months to complete.”