Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery Requests Update On Government’s Response To Severe Storms

18 February 2025

During Question Time on Tuesday, 18 February 2025, Sonia Hornery, State MP for Wallsend, requested an update from the emergency services minister following the severe storms that battered the Hunter region earlier this year.

During the exchange, Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib outlined the government’s rapid response. “After the severe storms travelled across NSW in mid-January, impacting the Riverina, Sydney, the Hunter and Mid North Coast, the NSW Government immediately began activating disaster assistance,” Minister Dib explained. He cited that within 48 hours the State Emergency Service (SES) received around 3,700 calls and completed 70 per cent of the urgent requests.

Minister Dib praised the exemplary teamwork observed during his visits to storm-impacted areas such as Port Stephens. “When I visited with the local member for Port Stephens, I witnessed the SES, RFS and FRNSW all working together in different uniforms – a true testament to our emergency services’ ability to come together in times of crisis,” he said.

The Minister also stressed the importance of ensuring that local communities, including Wallsend, are never left without strong representation. “If there is an issue affecting Wallsend, you can expect strong representations from your local MP,” he added, acknowledging Hornery’s tireless advocacy on behalf of her constituents.

Local councils will work with the NSW Reconstruction Authority to assess damage and secure support through a Natural Disaster Declaration (NDD). Such a declaration provides financial assistance, ranging from emergency accommodation and household repair grants to subsidies for primary producers to transport livestock and fodder.