NSW Floods: $50m Relief Fund Announced

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Emergency services across New South Wales are warning of worsening conditions as heavy rainfall continues to cause widespread flooding, with more than 500 incidents already reported and multiple rescues carried out.

On Thursday morning, the NSW State Emergency Service (SES) confirmed a man was rescued at Douglas Park, south-west of Sydney, after his car became trapped in rising floodwaters. The water had reached the headlights of his vehicle before SES volunteers secured him to safety using a tethered approach. Authorities are also searching for two missing men after a vehicle entered the Macdonald River near St Albans, north of Sydney.

Assistant Deputy Commissioner Debbie Platz said the severe weather system was affecting “most of the east coast of NSW and into the north-west area of the state,” forcing road closures and isolating communities. “We urge everybody in NSW, in these impacted areas, to monitor our website very closely to see what is going to impact you,” she said.

The latest flooding comes just months after devastating storms in May claimed five lives in the mid-north coast and Hunter Valley. In response, the NSW and federal governments have announced a $50 million housing support package.

The funding will provide caravans and self-contained pod homes for residents whose houses were uninsured or uninhabitable, allowing them to remain on their property while repairs are carried out. In a first for flood recovery efforts, one-off grants will also be made available to renters facing financial hardship and relocation challenges.

Meanwhile in Sydney, the federal court appeal of Bruce Lehrmann adjourned for an early lunch break after repeated requests from his lawyer for more time to respond. Justice Michael Wigney insisted the hearing remain within its three-day schedule, pressing counsel to address the “central issues” of the appeal.

Elsewhere in the economy, the Commonwealth Bank has reported a surge in home loan pre-approval applications following interest rate cuts earlier this year. Applications rose by 12% in June and July compared with the same period in 2024, with NSW and Queensland leading the increase.

In the energy sector, Whitehaven Coal told investors it expects strong future demand despite lower profits and a dip in share price following its annual results. The company reported production growth from new Queensland mines but higher costs cut profits nearly in half to $319 million.

And in education, independent senator David Pocock joined a student rally at the Australian National University in Canberra, voicing opposition to job cuts and calling for greater transparency from university leadership.

With floodwaters still rising, NSW SES is urging residents to remain cautious and avoid unnecessary travel in affected regions.