Mr Whan said the declaration covered the Bellingen, Coffs Harbour, Nambucca and Kempsey Shires, which had suffered damage to infrastructure, particularly to roads, bridges, culverts and water bores during the current flood event.

“Over 4000 people are isolated at Bellingen, Darkwood, in the upper Kalang and Bowraville areas, with a further 200 facing isolation later today and tonight at Coutts Crossing on the Orara River.

A natural disaster declaration provides for a range of assistance for residents, councils and business owners who have suffered property damage.

“It will particularly help ensure councils are reimbursed for the cost of repairing public

infrastructure,” Mr Whan said.

He added that this declaration does not preclude further analysis of damage caused as a result of flooding and that further declarations can be made in the coming days as flood waters recede and even more damage to infrastructure becomes apparent.

Mr Whan thanked members of the State Emergency Service for their hard work to assist the community.

"As always, our SES volunteers responded quickly to calls for help and have put in a

tremendous effort. More than 80 volunteers have been working in the field and in other

logistical roles,” he said.