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Clean up and recovery

This web page provides generalised information on natural disaster recovery.  During an active phase of a natural disaster this page will be updated.

Following a natural disaster, a Local Recovery Committee is led by Council, working with NSW Government and other state agencies to provide cohesive support in the recovery and clean up phase. This includes offering face-to-face recovery support and information to impacted residents at recovery assistance points (recovery hubs) and through various other channels.

NSW Government Disaster Recovery information:  https://www.nsw.gov.au/disaster-recovery.

  • Natural disasters, cleaning up and recovery can take a toll on your mental and physical health.
    After the immediate threat of danger has passed, those in flood-affected communities may be feeling anxious, worried or afraid. It’s vital that you seek support and look after you and your loved ones' wellbeing.

    If you or someone you know needs support, there are services available through NSW Government to assist. Call NSW Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511 or visit nsw.gov.au.

    Additional support is also available:

    • Lifeline: 13 11 14
    • Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636
    • Mensline Australia: 1300 789 978
    • Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800
    • Suicide Callback Service: 1300 659 467

  • For further information on maintaining health after floods and storms, go to NSW Health’s website or call 1800 health direct or 1800 022 222.

    Avoid unnecessary risks during clean up:

    • Structure damage: Do not enter a damaged building or structure, unless deemed safe to do so by authorities. 
    • Electricity: Take great care around electricity – follow the SES Electricity Safety Tips.
    • Insects: Be alert to snakes, spiders, rats and other wildlife that may have taken refuge in or near your home.
    • Waste removal: If removing or moving waste, remember to practise basic hygiene. Use appropriate personal protective equipment, including dust mask, gloves, covered shoes or boots and full-length clothing to cover your arms and legs.
    • Injury: All cuts and abrasions should be cleaned, treated with antiseptic and covered immediately. If you have a deep cut or wound, if a wound has had contact with floodwaters or if a wound develops redness, swelling or discharge, seek immediate medical attention.
    • Mould: After heavy rain or flooding you may find mould in your home.. If you decide to remove mould yourself: Open windows and doors where possible; Wear rubber gloves, eye protection, suitable shoes and a face mask before cleaning; to clean mouldy surfaces, use mild detergent or vinegar mixed with water (4 parts vinegar to 1 part water); carpet may need to be professionally cleaned or replaced. Find out more.
    • Mosquitoes: Avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. Use an insect repellent on exposed skin areas and reapply every couple of hours. Cover up as much as possible with loose-fitting and light-coloured clothing. 
    • Floodwaters and leftover debris may be contaminated with sewage. To prevent illness, contact with floodwater should be minimised. Avoid swimming in rivers, lagoons and estuaries for at least three days after heavy rain. If you experience diarrhoea or vomiting: please seek immediate medical assistance.
    • Asbestos: Be aware and stay safe around asbestos after emergencies and disasters. Cleaning up after storms, bushfires, flood, buildings fires and other incidents can involve asbestos. Read: Managing asbestos in emergencies and disasters (NSW Government);  Asbestos clean-up in flood-impacted areas (EPA).

  • If you are insured talk to your insurance company as soon as possible about how to make a claim. Take photos or video of damage to your property and possessions as evidence for your claim. If you have clearance from your insurer and evidence for your claim, you can start cleaning up. 

    The Insurance Council of Australia can be contacted with any questions, complaints or concerns about insurance on 1800 734 621.

    Legal Aid NSW can provide free legal advice and minor assistance to people affected by disasters on a range of issues, including insurance, on 1800 801 529.

    • Sandbags disposal: For sandbag disposal, split the hessian bags to remove sand and place in your garden somewhere it won’t wash away, if possible. Then place empty bags in the red lid garbage bin.
    • Waste: Council’s regular waste collection services typically continue as normal including bulk kerbside collections, public litter bins and household bins’ when possible. Woy Woy and Buttonderry Waste Management Facilities generally remain operational and open as per normal opening hours. For all other bulk waste collections, including those outside of the identified flood inundation areas, the normal booking process through 1Coast.com.au will continue to be provided.
    • Seagrass (wrack) and vegetation (residential): Council is unable to remove wrack that is above the waterline on private properties, due to insurance reasons. Residents that have seagrass (wrack) and vegetation debris from lake and river flooding can dispose of uncontaminated small amounts into their green waste bins. Larger amounts can be disposed of through the bulk kerbside green waste collection by booking through 1Coast.com.au (wrack or other lose vegetation must be placed out on the kerbside in boxes or bags). Residents are also encouraged to use wrack as garden mulch or mowed into the lawn, once it has been left a while to leach out salts and dry. 
    • Parks, reserves, foreshores, beaches: Following a natural disaster, Council undertakes widespread and thorough inspections of open space areas.  Clean-ups are prioritised by the level of impact and accessibility, noting some impacted areas may still be very wet and the use of machinery on these sites could cause further damage.
    • Beach erosion: Please do not walk on or near eroded beach escarpments - this is both dangerous and could cause serious injury for anyone in the vicinity, and may provide further risk to properties in the immediate area. 
    • Roads: For current road closures or road works impacting traffic, download the Live Traffic NSW app or go to www.livetraffic.com.  For details of planned upcoming road works or closures, go to Council’s website https://www.centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/residents/roads/road-closures.  We encourage residents to report any specific maintenance or safety concerns to Council, which will then be investigated and responded to. Lodge anytime at Council’s online Customer Service Centre https://www.centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/council/contact/online-services  or by calling 4306 7900 during business hours.
    • Swimming in waterways: Avoid swimming and any other recreational contact with the waterways (creeks, lagoons, ocean) in the Central Coast region during and for a few days after significant rainfall. An extensive water quality monitoring program has been implemented to determine when waters are suitable for recreational activity following the storms. During and after heavy rainfall or flooding there is an increased risk of pollution in the waterways from stormwater run-off, with debris or large submerged objects in the water that can cause illness or injury. The most obvious signs of stormwater pollution are water discolouration as well as debris in the water and on the tide line.

  • Australians love to help and support those in need. Before you give, please don’t donate unrequested items to the NSW communities affected by the recent storms and floods. The best way you can help right now to support affected communities, is to use one of the many existing services, such as GIVIT To match needs to offers of support, GIVIT works closely with local charities and community organisations. Visit givit.org.au

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