The communities of Eugowra, Cudal and Molong in the NSW Central West will receive help from the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) this week to remove a significant amount of debris that has spread throughout local waterways following the floods in December.
The EPA has engaged specialist marine contractor AVCON Projects to support the clean-up effort and remove any hazardous debris.
EPA Chief Executive Officer, Tony Chappel said the EPA was working closely with Cabonne Shire council and the NSW Reconstruction Authority to ensure the clean-up is as efficient and thorough as possible.
"It was devastating to see yet another major flood event late last year – leaving a huge impact on these small Central West communities," Mr Chappel said.
"Our EPA officers are working closely with AVCON to remove large items like cars, caravans, white-goods, beehives, wheelie bins, farming materials and furniture.
"In some areas we know there are hazardous chemicals and waste and will be taking extra care to disposeof these materials and limit any further impact on the local environment.
"As part of the recovery, we are also doing what we can to reconnect rightful owners to their missing items. Our teams will use every resource available, including excavators, chainsaws, boats, land vehicles and hand picking."
"I want to thank the community for their patience as we prepared for this stage of the recovery. The EPA is committed to supporting local residents, businesses and other clean-up organisations through this process to ensure these much-loved regional towns are able to be back up and running as quickly as possible."
The Eugowra Promotion and Progress Association has also been coordinating the disaster response and two volunteer groups; Blazeaid and Disaster Relief Australia are also assisting with the recovery efforts.
The community is encouraged to call Enviro Line on 131 555 if they would like to report significant flood debris in their local waterway.
Media release care of NSW EPA
