Byron Shire Council area was declared a natural disaster area yesterday afternoon following significant rain across the region.
Goonengerry received 183mm in the 24 hours to 9am Thursday,13 February while 168mm was recorded at Mullumbimby and Cape Byron received 122mm. The announcement came after the Australian and NSW governments announced disaster assistance for 56 local government areas including the Byron Shire and Tweed Shire.
The natural disaster declaration means the local councils will receive financial help in covering the cost of responding to the emergency as well as repairing damaged infrastructure such as roads. There may also be assistance available to people and businesses.
While the rain has backed off today the Bureau of Meteorology has issued a Hazardous Surf Warning for the Byron coast and surf and swell conditions are expected to be hazardous for coastal activities such as rock fishing, boating and swimming.
