The clean-up effort is closing in on completion with more than 20,000 truckloads of waste cleared from flood-affected communities across NSW, marking a major milestone in the flood recovery mission.
Deputy Premier Paul Toole said the significant progress is thanks to the combined effort of emergency crews, local councils and others working in the clean-up process.
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"Around 95,000 tonnes of waste has been removed from flood-affected towns and deposited at facilities in Alstonville and Coraki. That's equivalent to 126 Olympic swimming pools," Mr Toole said.
"Every truckload makes a difference in helping communities get on with the flood recovery as quickly as possible and our crews won't stop until every bit of debris is cleared."
Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience and Minister for Flood Recovery Steph Cooke said the end is in sight for the enormous clean-up effort following the unprecedented floods.
"Residents have had to let go of many of their possessions because of the devastating flooding. Completing the clean-up is a major step in helping people recover from this disaster," Ms Cooke said.
"With bulk clean-up operations expected to wrap up by the end of the month, local residents and businesses are urged to dispose of any large flood waste they may still have now.
"It has been the toughest of times for our flood-affected communities so it's heartening to see some light at the end of the tunnel."
The estimated completion of bulk waste clean-up across some of the hardest hit local government areas is as follows:
- Ballina Shire Council: 100 per cent complete;
- Hawkesbury Council: 98 per cent;
- Lismore City Council: 90 per cent;
- Richmond Valley Council: 100 per cent; and
- Tweed Shire Council: 100 per cent.
Further information about the flood clean-up is available at: www.service.nsw.gov.au/floods.
