The Minister for emergency services, Mike Gallagher made the announcement on Thursday afternoon and included Tenterfield amongst the local government areas of Moree, Narabri and Gwydir.

While the shire has been lucky to avoid serious damage from the rain and flash flooding, the acting general manager at Tenterfield Shire Council Glenn Inglis said there was a heavy rainstorm on Australia Day that caused damage to roads and bridges in the eastern part of the shire.

The initial damage bill was estimated to be about $280,000 but is expected to increase as floodwater receeds.

“There were some parts still under water so we weren’t able to make an assessment of those areas,” Mr Inglis said.

“My expectation is that the $280,000 figure will rise, probably to over $300,000.”

The local branch of the State Emergency Service (SES) said they have not been called out to any flood rescue incidents in Tenterfield, and in the last 48hours have only conducted two flood assistance calls; both of which involved helping people cross flooded causeways.

However a number of members will remain on standby to help crews in Moree and Tamworth.