Ferry fees have been waived until April 30, 2021 to provide efficient movement of emergency services and clean-up volunteers after the flood.
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Port Macquarie-Hastings Council agreed at an extraordinary meeting on Wednesday (March 31) to waive fees and charges associated with the use of the council's ferry services until April 30.
A report to the meeting said the primary purpose was to provide quick and efficient movement of emergency services and clean-up volunteers on and off the ferry without the administrative burden of making payments for the ferry's use.
The North Shore was among the areas hard hit by the floods.
Mayor Peta Pinson said it had been quite an extraordinary period for residents of the Port Macquarie-Hastings region and for the council as an organisation.
She said the floods had seen the loss of people's possessions, livestock and pets, and the council stood behind the community to support them.
The council adopted a range of relief measures for flood and storm impacted residents at an extraordinary meeting on March 24.
The waiving of ferry fees until April 30 has now been added to the list.
The council will credit any pre-purchased passes for ferry use over this period in the new pass purchase cycle.
It will also continue to record ferry use data during this period for the purposes of future consideration of an extension to ferry hours.
The Settlement Point Ferry returned to service on Sunday (March 28) for North Shore residents, emergency services and clean-up volunteers after the flood.
The Hibbard Ferry remains out of action for essential maintenance.
The council report said the Hibbard Ferry maintenance work had been delayed somewhat due to flooding and it was unlikely the Hibbard Ferry would be back in service before May 2021.
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Lisa Tisdell
I'm a Port Macquarie News journalist, keen traveller, angler and cricket fan.
I'm a Port Macquarie News journalist, keen traveller, angler and cricket fan.
