The multi-Agency Strike Force formed to help parts of the State recover from the effects of last month’s flooding has wrapped up the bulk of its work.
Minister Responsible for Disaster Recovery, John Barilaro said the Strike Force was comprised of NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS), Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW), the State’s Public Works Advisory (PWA) as well as the Australian Defence Force (ADF).
“The Strike Force has wrapped up and PWA will diligently continue to work closely with local emergency authorities and Councils until the clean-up is complete,” Mr Barilaro said.
“We know the clean-up effort is an ongoing process, so this is by no means the end of recovery,” he said.
“As we have done with the bushfires, PWA will now take over the coordination and work with Councils until the remainder of the work is complete.”
Mr Barilaro said the work included ongoing clean-up and the removal of difficult or hazardous waste that wasn’t yet completed.
“We will not rest until every flood-affected community gets the help they need, with people back in their homes and local businesses up and running,” the Minister said.
He said the RFS and FRNSW together deployed more than 50 strike teams, more than 4,500 personnel, and completed over 3,000 tasks which included the removal of rotten furniture and clearing access to impacted sites.
Mr Barilaro said the ADF deployed 850 personnel; removed 900 tonnes of waste; cleared 170 kilometres of roads; and helped hundreds of residents and business owners do an initial clear out.
