The state’s standard procedure allows councils to claim financial help for the costs of clean up efforts that have taken place within 21 days of a disaster. 

But the government’s decision to retroactively extend that time limit meant most councils could claim the cost of longer-term clean-up activities that took place after the storm.

Several councils from across the Hunter, including Maitland and Cessnock, were granted extensions.

When asked why Dungog was not on the list of councils given a larger window of time for funding, Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Scot MacDonald said the shire did not request an extension.

“They were able complete the clean-up work within the 21 days,” he said.

Dungog general manager Craig Deasey said the shire had lodged various other claims for storm clean-up work.

It has claimed $12.5 million to repair roads and bridges, $1.3 ­million to fix the Alison Court apartments and $246,000 for other public assets.

“We have up to two years to make our final claim in respect of public assets and council staff, in conjunction with RMS staff, were still working on our roads and bridges claim post June 30, 2015,” Mr Deasey said.

The government also granted extensions to Lake Macquarie, Port Stephens, Gosford and Great Lakes councils.

The extension enabled an extra $9.8 million for the affected councils.

“We are committed to recovery of this region and this extension will ensure it continues to receive the support it needs to return to normal as soon as possible,” Emergency Services Minister David Elliott said.