Climate change is upon us - and state and federal governments must act quickly to prepare for future disasters, Whitlam MP Stephen Jones says.
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He spoke in light of the flood events which have battered the Illawarra since the beginning of the year.
"Climate change is upon us, it's not a future event, it's happening now," he said.
"Every degree rise in temperature is a seven per cent increase in the water the atmosphere holds - more water means more rain.
"This is the future, and more needs to be done."
Mr Jones called on federal and state governments to provide urgent support to local councils to repair flood-damaged infrastructure, and rebuild to a higher standard to better withstand future events.
"No council in Australia could afford the cost of doing the repairs that have been brought about by flood damage," he said.
"We need assistance from the Commonwealth and the state to make this happen.
"We need more money going into mitigation, which is what the $4.6 billion natural disaster fund was meant to be about.
"Roads must be built to a higher standard, bridges, causeways and water distribution systems need to be improved, but even if we build to the highest standards there will be damage."
Federal Minister for Emergency Management and National Recovery and Resilience Bridget McKenzie said the Australian and NSW governments co-funded Property Assessment and Demolition Program will offer free structural assessments and demolition is on offer for residential, small business and primary production property owners in flood-affected regions.
"We know that the faster this recovery work can be completed, the sooner communities can start rebuilding and getting their lives back to normal," Minister McKenzie said.
People who need financial help to restore their homes to a safe and habitable condition may be eligible to apply for a Disaster Relief Grant or a Back Home Grant.
Mr Jones, however, said the scheme didn't go far enough.
"While that help is welcome, if roads aren't safe to drive on, how can people rebuild," he asked.
To register with the opt-in Property Assessment and Demolition program, or for further information about the program, go to https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/register-flood-recovery-property-assessment-and-demolition-pad-program or call Service NSW on 13 77 88.
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