APRIL STORM REPORT RELEASED BY STATE GOVERNMENT

Following mounting pressure, the Baird Government has released a long-awaited report into the April super storm that wrecked havoc in the Hunter.

Brigadier Darren Naumann headed the recovery taskforce, and has made 16 recommendations in his final report.

Among them – the need for planned emergency access for remote communities like Torryburn, isolated by floodwater.

He also suggests streamlining the approvals process for disaster relief funding, as well as establishing working partnerships with volunteer organisations to ensure support is directed where it’s needed most.

The Brigadier handed in the report in September last year, at the time noting many residents in the town of Dungog were still residing in storm damaged homes.

Emergency Services Minister David Elliot says many of the recommendations listed in the report have already been implemented.

The full report can be found HERE