It was announced last week that across the state the bill for damage to roads due to recent flooding is likely to reach half a billion dollars.
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After the overland and riverine flooding in the Eastern Riverina last week Greater Hume, Urana and Lockhart Shire council’s are adding up the bills for this areas share of that damage.
Director of Engineering at Greater Hume Shire Council, Greg Blackie said that most of the Shire managed to “dodge a bullet”.
“We were lucky compared to Lockhart Shire, Urana and Wagga Wagga,” he said.
“At the worst of it we had 12 roads closed across the Shire. There is a lot of gravel re-sheeting to be done.”
Despite the minor damage compared to other towns in the area the estimated bill for damages in Greater Hume Shire Council is still expected to be up to $1 million.
Alan Clark, Director of Engineering at Lockhart Shire Council was busy last week assessing damage and trying to keep as many roads open to residents as possible.
Council does not expect the full extent of the damage around the Shire to be realised for some time.
Lockhart Shire Council Mayor Peter Yates said that many people in the shire are “living on adrenalin at the moment” and one of his biggest concerns is what will happen when that runs out.
“The risk is that they will fall in a heap afterwards,” he said.
Federal Member for the Farrer, Sussan Ley toured the region last week to see the devastation first hand.
Since her visit Ms Ley has called on the Government for flood victims the Australian Governments Disaster Relief Payment.
The Flooding in Lockhart Shire Council has already been granted Natural Disaster status and Greater Hume Shire is drafting an application for the same but Ms Ley said that immediate financial assistance is what is needed most to help people get back on their feet.
