One year on, recovery continues across the Mid North Coast

Aerial photo of a very muddy brown river bend with eroded banks but blue sky in the distance.
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One year on, recovery continues across the Mid North Coast

Aerial photo of a very muddy brown river bend with eroded banks but blue sky in the distance.
Written
  • Flood
  • Early recovery

A year on from the devastating floods that hit the Mid North Coast, the scale of the disaster is still hard to comprehend. Described as a one-in-500-year event, the floods brought up to 700 mm of rain across the region.

The May 2025 floods were historically widespread and catastrophic for Taree, with the Manning River peaking at a record-breaking 6.5 metres. For the communities hit hardest, the anniversary is not just a date on the calendar. It is a reminder of lives disrupted, homes and businesses damaged, and a recovery journey that continues day by day.

Aerial photo of the flooded area, with a bridge visible in the middle, and just the tops of trees poking above the very brown floodwaters.

Aerial view of flooding at the Pacific Highway bridge, Dumaresq Island and Manning River.

The floods brought loss, uncertainty and major disruption to families, farmers and local businesses. Entire communities were cut off, critical infrastructure was damaged, and the scale of the event made recovery both complex and ongoing.

Photo looking up at a building with Taree Universities Campus sign and logo on the side, with a very large pile of rubble stacked up in front, mostly containing sheets of carpet and metal.

Taree Universities Campus on Pulteney Street after flood damage.

Much has been achieved, but there is still more work ahead

The Australian and New South Wales Governments continue to work together to support the Mid North Coast community.

To date, more than $334 million in exceptional recovery assistance has been committed under the jointly funded Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements. In addition, the Australian Government has provided more than $229 million in support to impacted individuals through the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment and Disaster Recovery Allowance.

The region has also received support to strengthen future resilience. Through Round 3 of the Disaster Ready Fund, projects such as the New South Wales State Emergency Service Flood Data Portal Accessibility Gateway and Viewer, are improving preparedness for future floods by making key flood information more accessible.

While the higher-risk weather season has officially ended, the floods were a strong reminder that disasters can happen at any time. Being prepared year-round remains one of the most important ways people can protect themselves, their families and their communities.

Recovery on the Mid North Coast is ongoing, and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) is here to support communities every step of the way. Through continued coordination, recovery assistance and investment in resilience, NEMA will keep working with partners to help communities recover and prepare for the future.

For more information about NEMA’s work in resilience and recovery, see Our Work. 

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