Vegetation debris from fallen trees or gardens and bulk domestic goods disposed of at the waste facility until May 20 will be exempt from the waste levy. 

Singleton Council’s director of community and infrastructure services group Gary Thomson says council has been granted an exemption from the waste levy for residents to dispose of storm-damaged items and green waste.

“This service is to assist locals in clearing their homes and yards of storm-damaged items and tree debris,” he says.

“This offer does not extend to general household waste.

“While we are aware that some neighbouring councils are providing free disposal of storm-damaged items, due to financial constraints we are not able to offer this service free of charge.

“We have sought and received a 30-day exemption from the waste levy and this will reduce the cost of disposal by $65.40 per tonne.”

Mr Thomson says the Singleton local government area has been declared a natural disaster area and financial assistance may be available to low income earners without insurance who have been impacted by the recent storms.

“Those individuals and families with insurance should contact their insurer and for those wanting more details on natural disaster assistance, visit www.mpes.nsw.gov.au.”

Mr Thomson says council staff were still inspecting local infrastructure and assessing the extent of the damage.

“Until all the water has returned to normal levels, particularly in some of our rural areas, we will not fully know the extent of damage to our roads, bridges and causeways,” he says.

“We do expect the damage bill will be significant and will be working with state and federal governments to access financial assistance under the natural disaster declaration.”

Singleton mayor John Martin congratulated the State Emergency Service (SES) volunteers and council staff who have worked 24-hour shifts since the onset of the storm to ensure the communities safety.

For the latest road closure information, visit www.singleton.nsw.gov.au