More on-the-ground disaster support for NSW councils

A task force to support local councils with natural disaster response and recovery has been set up by the NSW state government.

The five specialist members of the Disaster Response Taskforce “will assist councils in applying for disaster funding to ensure they have the resources they need to fix vital infrastructure in a timely manner”.

They will also help council staff develop and deliver disaster recovery projects across NSW, parts of which have had to contend with record-breaking floods in recent months.

NSW Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock said the task force is great news for local councils.

“This will help councils on the ground where it’s needed most, easing pressure on the local government sector and helping to get our road network back on track after several years of unprecedented natural disasters.”

The staff members will be based in the regions they are supporting and are expected to in place by the end of June.