Cessnock City Council estimates its damage bill from April’s super storm could be up to $39-million.
The figure was released as part of council’s Business Impact Flood Study, which surveyed more than 1,000 businesses in the wake of the natural disaster.
76 per cent reported being impacted in some way, from loss of power and communication, to structural damage, loss of stock and staff shortages.
The study also noted the emotional effects of the storm on business owners in their recovery.
Key findings:
- 267 respondents lost communications and power
- 637 businesses ceased trading
- 668 businesses estimated a combined loss of 2,533 trade days
- 600+ businesses recorded aggregated damage and revenue losses of $5.9 million and $9 million respectively