Storm recovery options available to Lake Macquarie residents

Lake Macquarie City Council has been added to the NSW Government's natural disaster declaration for the severe weather that occurred between 15-17 January. 

This provides individuals and businesses with access to a range of relief measures including grants, loans and more. If you've been adversely impacted by the storm, please visit the NSW Government's website for more information. 

Power has been restored to all areas in Lake Macquarie. For the latest updates on power, visit ausgrid.com.au or 13 13 88 to report faults or electrical emergencies.

Residents who experienced a power outage longer than 12 hours due to the storms may be eligible for up to $250 from Ausgrid to cover food spoilage. For more information and to apply, visit the Ausgrid website.

If a tree or limb from a tree located on private property has fallen and caused damage to private property, the NSW SES will attend to remove the tree or limb from a building or to allow access to the property. You can contact the NSW SES at 132 500

Property owners are advised to make their own arrangements or contact their insurance company to have tree debris removed. You can use your weekly green bin to dispose of green waste or request a bulky waste collection or a voucher to dispose of your bulky waste at the Awaba Waste Management Facility. Book your service online.

Lake Macquarie residents disposing of bulky waste arising from January's severe storm will be exempt from paying the NSW Government’s waste levy until the end of February. The exemption applies to waste such as building debris, flooded carpet, fallen trees and spoiled food waste caused by the storm, dropped off at the Awaba Waste Management Facility. An operational fee – also known as a gate fee or tip fee – of $270 per tonne will continue to be charged for mixed household waste.

All spoilt food and scraps should be placed in your green bin, which is collected weekly.

Residents who experienced a power outage longer than 12 hours due to the storms may be eligible for up to $250 from Ausgrid to cover food spoilage. For more information and to apply, visit the Ausgrid website.

Our Environmental Health Officers have been working closely with food businesses across the city affected by the power outage to ensure safety and compliance.

All food scraps and garden waste should be placed in your green bin, which is collected weekly.

Our kerbside collection service is the best way to get rid of bulky items. You can request a bulky waste collection or a voucher to dispose of your bulky waste at the Awaba Waste Management Facility. Book your service online. Be sure to only put your waste on the kerb once collection is confirmed. If you’ve already used your two bulky waste entitlements, please contact us on 4921 0333 to discuss your circumstances.

Lake Macquarie residents disposing of bulky waste arising from January's severe storm will be exempt from paying the NSW Government’s waste levy until the end of February. The exemption applies to waste such as building debris, flooded carpet, fallen trees and spoiled food waste caused by the storm, dropped off at the Awaba Waste Management Facility. An operational fee – also known as a gate fee or tip fee – of $270 per tonne will continue to be charged. Find out more about the exemption. 

Our crews are working hard to fix potholes on all our roads and regrade unsealed roads. Lodge a request online for maintenance, repairs, roads, waste and other services.

Hunter Water advises people avoid swimming in local beaches and waterways (including ocean baths) for at least two days after all power is restored and the wastewater network returns to normal operating conditions. To check the state of our beaches, visit Patrolled Beaches.