Recovery Coordinator for North Coast

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Minister for Emergency Services Troy Grant today announced the appointment of Euan Ferguson as Recovery Coordinator to manage flood recovery efforts on the North Coast.

Mr Ferguson has more than 40 years of experience in emergency services including previous roles as Chief Officer and CEO of the South Australian Country Fire Service and Chief Officer of Victoria’s Country Fire Service.

He also served as the Special Inquirer into the January 2016 Waroona Bushfire that destroyed over 100 homes in Yarloop in south west Western Australia.

“Mr Ferguson has extensive knowledge and expertise in responding to regional emergencies and he will provide practical support and leadership to those affected by the North Coast floods,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“The Recovery Coordinator role will ensure that the community receives all available support as quickly as possible.”

Mr Ferguson’s responsibilities will include arranging short and long-term accommodation for those in need, supporting clean-up efforts, working with small business and primary producers to understand the flood’s impacts and ensuring that insurance companies are working rapidly to resolve claims.

Mr Grant said Mr Ferguson will work closely with affected communities, local, State and Commonwealth agencies and non-government organisations to assess the impacts of the floods.

“We have seen a phenomenal effort by emergency services personnel and volunteers and I want to thank them and urge everyone to continue to work together as we move into the recovery phase,” Mr Grant said.

“We are committed to ensuring those impacted have the support they need to recover and rebuild and the appointment of Mr Ferguson will ensure the most coordinated approach going forward.”

The appointment of a Recovery Coordinator supports the range of assistance measures already available under the Natural Disaster Assistance Schemes, including grants for people on low incomes, or with no insurance, whose homes have been flood-damaged or lost.

Mr Ferguson said he was keen to get down to work to ensure all disaster measures are properly coordinated and the community get back on its feet.

“I’m on the ground working with the North Coast communities from today to ensure they have the resources they need to get through this tough time,” he said.

Assistance is available from a range of agencies including:

• Disaster Welfare Services (Department of Justice)
• NSW Housing
• Primary Industries
• Mental and Community Health
• The Insurance Council of Australia.

More information about recovery and services available is available online at: www.emergency.nsw.gov.au