Another Five Local Government Areas Declared Natural Disasters

The Declarations are for the Local Government Areas of Forbes, Lockhart, Wagga Wagga, Parkes and Tumut.

"These townships have been inundated with an amount of rainfall that is unprecedented in most areas, which has caused severe damage to major infrastructure including roads, as well as homes and businesses," Minister Gallacher said.

"The Local Government Areas of Coolamon, Corowa, Gundagai, Snowy River, Cooma-Monaro, Young, Upper Lachlan, Boorowa and Weddin Shire Councils were declared Natural Disasters today as a result of this recent weather event," he said.

This declaration makes a number of supportive schemes available to assist with the cost of restoration and recovery under the Commonwealth Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements and the NSW Disaster Assistance Arrangements.

"We will continue to monitor the situation as it unfolds across the state and it is likely more Natural Disaster Declarations will be made as a result of this unprecedented weather event," Minister Gallacher said.

"I'd also like to thank the members of the State Emergency Service and other emergency service personnel who have worked tirelessly over the past week," Minister Gallacher concluded.

Anyone needing help from the SES should contact their local unit on 132 500. In life threatening emergencies, always ring triple zero (000).