Muswellbrook Shire Council has committed boots on the ground to Dungog Shire, as a major recovery continues in the Hunter following May’s historic severe weather event.
Heavy rain and flooding in Muswellbrook Shire triggered a natural disaster declaration for the LGA but fell short of the devastation in Dungog, Port Stephens and the Mid North Coast.
With recovery in Muswellbrook well underway, Council will send crews to assist Dungog Shire with urgent repair work.
Muswellbrook Mayor Jeff Drayton said the cooperation is a practical way Council can support fellow Hunter Joint Organisation member Dungog.
“Our thoughts are with everyone doing it tough. We’ve seen heartbreaking loss in Hunter communities just down the road and we want the community in Dungog to know, we’ve got your back,” Mayor Drayton said.
“Muswellbrook has copped it, but thanks to the hard work of our Council staff and the actions of our community, we’re making progress. We can spare some of our excellent workers to provide support in Dungog.”
Muswellbrook Shire Council’s Civil team has worked around the clock before, during and since the severe weather event, repairing around 500 potholes per day.
Key roads including the Golden Highway, Edderton Road, Widden Valley Road, Bylong Valley Way, Sandy Creek Road and Thomas Mitchell Drive have all undergone repairs and maintenance resulting from the rain.
Council has also maintained daily inspections of flood-prone roads in the Shire, along with drainage and stormwater system checks in both Muswellbrook and Denman.
As part of the recovery and further flood preparedness, Council has also cleared debris from Dry Creek Bridge and made flood preparations in Denman.
“Council staff have gone above and beyond,” Mayor Drayton said.
“They’ve worked through tough conditions and now they’re heading to Dungog with the full support and pride of our community.”
Muswellbrook Shire Council will continue updating residents on local recovery efforts.
