Guidance for flood-impacted households and businesses on dealing with water inundation, and staying safe during clean up.
Take all necessary health and safety precautions when returning to your property. R ead the NSW Health advice for staying healthy during and after a flood.
If you have concerns about road damage or potholes in your area, report it using this feedback form.
For help with cleaning up after the July 2022 flood, contact your local council.
For animal and agricultural support, call the Agriculture and Animal Emergency Services hotline on 1800 814 647
Do not approach fallen power lines. If you are concerned call 132 080 immediately for advice and assistance. Essential Energy provides a safety checklist with tips to help keep you safe.
Please seek face-to-face emotional and trauma support after a flood through the services in these NSW Health fact sheets:
Tenants and landowners can apply for help with clean up of debris from storms and floods from 2021 and 2022.
Some of the eligible items include asbestos, cement, timber, fencing and furniture. The program does not assist with carcasses. For animal and agricultural support, call the Agriculture and Animal Emergency Services hotline on 1800 814 647
Find out more about the program and how to apply on the Service NSW website.
All flood-impacted households and businesses will receive clean-up assistance – including the removal of debris, mud and green waste – regardless of insurance status.
Residents can take flood-affected household items to their local landfill. The waste levy is waived in local government areas subject to natural disaster declaration.
The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has engaged contractors to clean up shorelines and rivers. They will also use aerial surveys to identify debris that needs to be cleared from affected areas.
For assistance with cleaning up pollution caused by the floods on a local beach or river, contact the Environment Line on 131 555 or email info@epa.nsw.gov.au
Separate waste into these groups:
After heavy rain or flooding you may find mould in your home. Read about mould and your health.
Contact your insurance company directly. Take plenty of photos of any property and contents damage before removing and disposing of items. Read our insurance and legal support in a disaster guidance.
Read the Australian Red Cross guide to cleaning up.
If you see a potentially serious environmental incident, please contact the Environment Line on 131 555 or by email at info@epa.nsw.gov.au
The Environment Protection Authority has further information on handling of waste materials and hazardous materials including asbestos.
For animal and agricultural support, call the Agriculture and Animal Emergency Services hotline on 1800 814 647
Rural landholders affected by flooding can request Agricultural and Animal Services for emergency fodder.
Register your requests for fodder by calling the hotline on 1800 814 647. Requests can also be lodged by emailing aasfa@emergency.dpi.nsw.gov.au
The fodder can be collected once you have registered with the hotline and have been notified of your allocation.
Native wildlife will be displaced and perhaps injured by the floodwaters. They may be on the move, looking for food and shelter.
If you see injured wildlife, call WIRES on 1300 094 737 or Wildlife Rescue Australia on 1300 596 457.
The RSPCA also offers assistance with wildlife, as well as pets and livestock (including horses):
If you find an injured animal, and it is safe to do so, contain it in a covered box. Put the box in a dark, quiet place while waiting for a rescuer. Or take the animal in the covered box to a wildlife carer or vet.
See Helping wildlife during floods for more information.
The destruction of floods can be distressing. Please seek mental wellbeing support, particularly if you are dealing with trauma.
If you intend to dispose of animal carcasses yourself, it's important to note that:
Visit Disposing of deceased stock or the Department of Primary Industries website for more information.
For help with disposing of animal carcasses, call Local Land Services on 1300 795 299
Fencing washed away in a flood can create a public safety hazard.
Regional landholders should contact the Agricultural and Animal Services Hotline on 1800 814 647.
Primary producers whose fencing has been damaged may be eligible for support through Special Disaster Grants. Up to $75,000 is available to successful applicants to help with the cost of repairs. Contact the NSW Rural Assistance Authority for more details on 1800 678 593.
Read more about flood support for farmers and primary producers.
Landslides are more likely to occur during or after flooding, as the ground structure can be unstable.
If you notice signs of a landslide:
move away from the area, if you’re outside
stay away from powerlines, embankments and trees that may be affected
move to a part of the building that is furthest away from the landslide. If you are inside a building and you cannot get out, and take shelter.
Call Triple Zero (000) if your life is in danger.
Call SES on 132 500 for emergency help.
After a landslide, it is important to stay away from an affected area. The ground may continue to move and may be unsafe. Do not enter damaged buildings. Do not drive on damaged roads.
Utilities like electricity and gas may be affected. If you live or work near a landslide, make sure you have utilities checked by a professional before you use them.
There is a range of grants, support and payments for people, businesses and farmers following the 2022 floods.
Find out more details about applying for support by calling Service NSW on 13 77 88
We pay respect to the Traditional Custodians and First Peoples of NSW, and acknowledge their continued connection to their country and culture.