Defence Force troops to join clean-up effort

Published on 26 May 2025

Australian Defence Force personnel will soon be deployed to flood-impacted areas of the MidCoast, providing much-needed assistance to the clean-up effort after last week’s historic flood event.

MidCoast Council Mayor Claire Pontin welcomed the announcement after calling on both the NSW and Australian Government to provide more support on the ground.

The influx of troops will be bolstered by the arrival of additional volunteers from interstate.

“We’re not sure when they’re going to be arriving but we’re expecting them over the next couple of days and they’re going to be deployed out on the streets, helping get that garbage out of your way into the tips,” Mayor Pontin said.

The Defence Force personnel will bring a wealth of skills and experience to the clean-up effort, having previously provided assistance after the 2021 MidCoast flood and the 2022 Lismore flood.

Mayor Pontin said she had also been discussing the housing needs that had arisen from the flood with NSW Minister for Recovery, Janelle Saffin, and Minister Saffin had assured her that help was on its way.

“She’s told me that they’re organising mobile homes so that we can deliver them to people and put them in their front yards or in the driveway so people can still stay at their house,” Mayor Pontin said.

“I cannot tell you when that’s going to happen, but I can tell you that they seriously understand the problem that we’ve got and that a promise has been made.”

Mayor Pontin said she had been in numerous discussions with State and Federal Ministers over the past few days and it was pleasing to see her calls for support being answered.

She particularly welcomed the announcement from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese that he would visit Taree on Tuesday 27 May.

“I think this is really great for the community because these people need to understand the pain that people are in, the damage that’s been done, and to see it firsthand.”

The NSW Reconstruction Authority has set up a recovery centre at the Manning Uniting Church in Albert Street, Taree. Anyone affected by the flood can visit the centre for information on financial help, housing support, insurance issues or emotional wellbeing support. The Recovery Centre is open Monday to Thursday 10am-6pm, and Friday 10am-4pm.

To stay updated on the latest flood information, visit www.midcoast.nsw.gov.au/floodrecovery