The Hunter was the second most storm-affected region in NSW in 2015/16, new data shows.
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The findings, released by the State Emergency Service and NRMA, also show that the Maitland area was the most severely impacted in the region. Three of the five worst hit towns in the Hunter, Ashtonfield, Thornton and Metford, were in the Maitland local government area.
Insurance claims in the Hunter for storm damage made up 10 per cent of the state total, while the Gosford/Wyong region ranked at the top of the list.
The Hunter was battered by huge storms in April, 2015, and January, 2016, which resulted in significant floods across the Maitland area.
The data comes as the State Emergency Service encouraged Hunter residents to be prepared for storm season, which runs from October to March.
The Maitland City Unit will hold a workshop for business owners to learn how to prepare for floods by developing a Business Continuity Plan.
Maitland SES controller Ian Robinson said the workshop would include specific information about risks of the Hunter River and Wallis Creek catchment.
He said service providers such as The Mai-Wel Group, NSW Rural Fire Service and NRMA would be on hand to answer questions.
“In last April’s flood event, we received 2800 of requests for assistance in the Maitland LGA, including requests from businesses for sand bags,” Mr Robinson said.
State Emergency Service acting commissioner Greg Newton said crews attended more than 19,000 storm-related call-outs across the state during 2015/16.
“Safety measures like preparing your home and an emergency kit, as well as an evacuation plan are very simple, but incredibly effective,” he said.
The workshop will be held at Maitland Town Hall on November 11. Call 0417 549 292 to book a place.
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