Tornado Recovery update

Council is committed to providing support to the Armidale community by leading the recovery from Thursday’s tornado. Council is coordinating the following services to clean up debris distributed in the path of the tornado. 

Green debris removal – trees and limbs in the path of the tornado Place on the front kerb in a separate pile and Council will continue to pick up. 

Metal debris removal – roofing iron and fence panels in the path of the tornado Place on the front kerb in a separate pile and scrap metal business Cliff Wright Motors will be collecting. Please ensure these piles are secure and not able to be moved by wind.

Loose debris removal – insulation and other light materials and scrap dislodged and distributed by the tornado

Council is placing skip bins in affected areas to allow for the safe collection and removal of light debris. The number of skip bins is limited and are being placed strategically for communal use. Please note that these bins are not for bulky goods disposal and not for building waste.

Quick facts •Loose metal on the footway is required to be made secure to prevent injuries and prevent further distribution •In the event that you are unable to move debris to the kerb in front of your property, please contact Council to request assistance on 1300 136 833 •Waste fees are applicable for waste delivered by unauthorised contractors not now coordinated by Council as part of the clean-up •Green Debris excludes grass clippings and normal green waste which will be required to be disposed of through Councils existing green waste service •Loose Debris excludes couches, mattresses, demolition and building materials (with the exception of small quantities of roof tiles and or insulation), tyres, toys and appliances •Council is continuing to monitor locations of debris and will target areas where the debris is still a concern

Financial support  Assistance is being provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) Assistance available under the DRFA may include:  •Help for eligible people whose homes or belongings have been damaged (eligibility criteria apply)  •Concessional interest rate loans for small businesses, primary producers and non-profit organisations  •Freight subsidies for primary producers, and  •Grants to eligible non-profit organisations. 

For information on disaster welfare, personal hardship and stress assistance, contact Service NSW on 13 77 88.  To apply for a concessional loan or grant, contact the NSW Rural Assistance Authority on 1800 678 593 or visit www.raa.nsw.gov.au

Counselling & support Council understand that disaster events such as the Armidale tornado can be difficult, scary or overwhelming through the recovery process. It is ok to ask for a hand and our support contacts could really help you get back on track. •Need to talk right now? Call Lifeline 13 11 14 •NSW Mental Health Line - 1800 011 511 •Heidi Gray | Rural Aid Counsellor & Community Representative - Northern New South Wales M: 0476 685 834 | ruralaid.org.au | [email protected] •Andrew Daley | Rural Adversity Mental Health Program | 0428 109 990 | [email protected] – Awaiting management sign off – hopefully approved by 12pm •Julie Ward | Hunter New England Health | Recovery Clinician | 0417 661 030 | [email protected] - Awaiting management sign off – hopefully approved by 12pm

Red Cross Australia has provided Armidale Regional Council with ‘Coping After a Crisis’ resources for individuals, families and children. These can be accessed at Armidale Regional Council’s Customer Service Area. 

Published on 21 Oct 2021