A message from the Mayor – Continued push for Category D funding

Published on 20 June 2025

I want to reassure everybody that I am continuing to lobby for Category D funding for the MidCoast Council region. I know people need help and they need it now.

I have asked the Premier to seek agreement from the Federal Government for this increased funding. What the State Government has asked Council for is a detailed breakdown of the estimated damage, so they can use this to support any request to the Federal Government.

Council staff have been working hard to put this information together – using the best estimates they can assemble by talking to businesses, primary producers and support agencies. The information they have gained is taken directly from carrying out assessments on damaged houses and buildings and talking with the community on the impact of the flood event. It will also include estimates of damage to public infrastructure, including roads.

Obviously when the State and Federal Governments consider this, they need the best economic and financial information we can give them.

As soon as this information is available, I will be following it up with more discussions with both State and Federal Ministers.

In the meantime, I have arranged to meet with Kristy McBain, the Federal member for Emergency Management next week.

I will be making the strongest case I can for the Federal Government to agree to any NSW request for Category D funding.

MidCoast Council Mayor - Claire Pontin.