Floodwaters receding on NSW north coast

Floodwaters are receding on the NSW north coast, revealing costly damage caused by
days of heavy rain that killed one person, displaced thousands of others and now
threatens the agricultural sector.

The Bureau of Meteorology is maintaining its flood warnings for several rivers
throughout the region, but residents say they can see water levels easing despite
continued drizzle.
Some 20,000 residents remain isolated in their homes or displaced due to floods, the
State Emergency Service (SES) says.
"The water is going away," SES spokesman Steve Delaney said.
"We've still got a number of people isolated and still have areas that we need to
resupply over the next couple of days but things are easing and there are scattered
showers only forecast for coming days."
Police are still investigating reports a car was washed off a bridge over Kinchela
Creek, near Kempsey, about 9pm (AEST) on Sunday.
One man died in the NSW floods, a 70-year-old whose body was found near his
submerged car south of Coffs Harbour on Friday.
Authorities are reminding residents in flood-affected areas to take care when moving
through the waters, with reports of substantial damage to several roads and bridges.
"As the water recedes the damage is revealed," Grafton-based Clarence Valley mayor
Richie Williamson said.
"We know of one bridge that has been totally washed away and we can't find it at the
moment.
"We expect more bridge damage and road damage."
He said erosion is also proving significant, with Yamba beach "totally eroded away".
"We are looking at tens of millions of dollars (damage)," Mr Williamson said.
In addition to repair costs, there are fears that some oyster and dairy farms in the
region may not survive the floods.
With winter grasses overrun by mud and feed stockpiles washed away, dairy farms
around Kempsey face a challenging future, NSW Opposition Leader Barry O'Farrell
said.
If regular milking is not maintained, cows may stop lactating, he said, adding that
some oyster farms had simply washed away.
The federal government on Monday announced financial assistance for residents in
flood-affected NSW and Queensland.
"Those eligible will be able to receive a one-off lump sum payment of $1,000 for
adults and $400 for each child to help their recovery," the government said in a
statement.
"The payments provide financial assistance to people whose principal place of
residence has been destroyed or significantly damaged, as well as those who have
been seriously injured, or have lost an immediate family member."
People can apply for the assistance for the next six months.
Helping to distribute financial assistance for the flood-affected areas is former
NSW police commissioner Ken Moroney, who has been appointed regional response
coordinator.
After a tour of the region on Monday and meetings with mayors, Mr Moroney admitted
repairs will be costly and time consuming.
"It's about not only the restoration of infrastructure ... but ultimately the
restoration of confidence in the community," Mr Moroney said.
"I would hope certainly we can move into the recovery process within the next 48
hours."



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