Sutherland Shire Council will receive a federal-state government payment of $255,180 to help meet the cost of the clean-up after the Kurnell tornado.
However, the council was not able to recoup the full cost, and ratepayers will bear the remainder, amounting to $164,797.
Federal Minister for Justice Michael Keenan and NSW Minister for Finance, Services and Property Victor Dominello announced $255,180 in recovery assistance to the council for damage caused in December, 2015.
The assistance, announced by federal Treasurer and Cook MP Scott Morrison, was provided through the jointly-funded Commonwealth-State Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA).
It reimburses the council for costs associated with clearing storm debris from essential public assets, such as roads, stormwater drains and footpaths.
While welcoming the grant, a council spokesperson said an additional $164,797 was not eligible for government assistance and would be borne by the council.
The spokesman said the state government had assisted in other ways.
A provision of $200,000 had been provided by the NSW Public Works to undertake asbestos cleanup operations.
”The NSW Government also provided a waste levy exemption through the Environment Protection Authority to enable an efficient and cost effective clean-up to be achieved,” he said.
