Due the destruction occurring on council-owned roads and parks, particularly Rotary Park, the council advised the NSW government it is seeking natural disaster funding. 

Manager of Engineering Services, Graeme Bourke said a preliminary estimate of funding was almost $600,000.

“Our initial assessment was an estimate of $595,000 but this was very preliminary and we are yet to complete a full assessment of the damage,” he said. 

This number includes repairs to Rotary Park and around the cycle way, but Mr Bourke said as the park is still under water it’s difficult to see the damage. 

“The roads estimate includes damage to causeways and culverts, and pavement damage to sealed and unsealed roads that had water running across them as well as damage to unsealed roads that have lost gravel and suffered from the saturated conditions,” he said. 

Deputy Premier Troy Grant announced funding for those affected by the damaging rain last week. 

The assistance includes “support for affected local councils to help with the costs of cleaning up and restoring damaged essential public assets,” along with funding for primary producers, small businesses, not-for-profit organisations and people whose homes or belongings have been damaged. 

Sixteen councils, including the Bogan Shire, will receive funding under the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements. 

Mr Bourke isn’t rushing to estimate the funding at the moment as more rain is predicted this week. There is a forecast of a 90 per cent chance of up to 85mm. 

“The road condition is likely to become worse if we receive further rain this week as most of the damaged areas are still too wet to repair. The estimate to restore our roads may increase significantly with continued rain,” he said.