Disaster relief delays slammed

Originally left out of the program, Cumberland was included after the State and Federal governments eventually bowed to pressure.
However, many residents whose homes or property were damaged during last month’s downpours and have lodged claims for financial assistance, are experiencing difficulties with having their claims considered and determined.
The council says it’s not good enough and has written to State and Federal governments to clarify the types of support payments available to them, the eligibility requirements for such payments, and to ensure a smooth process for eligible residents to apply for the payment.
Affected residents will be entitled to $1,000 per adult and $400 for each child younger than 16.
Cr Sabrin Farooqui, one of the many councillors who received complaints from residents, said she was relieved when the Government finally included Cumberland in the program, but that was short-lived.
“I felt relieved that those people who suffered could now at least get some help but I was later informed by them and some more residents that when they called Service NSW, the staff said that Cumberland Council still wasn’t in the list,“ she said.
“It’s still the same, which is a shame.
“We don’t know why it’s happening. It’s something the Federal Government needs to address.”
Federal MP for Blaxland, Jason Clare, has also written to the minister with an urgent plea to make sure Cumberland residents can access the Disaster Recovery Payment.
Mr Clare said Cumberland residents were not immune to the impacts of the recent weather conditions and called for urgent action.