Government waives $1150 rescue fee sent to NSW flood victims

The New South Wales Government has waived air ambulance fees of up to $1150 that were automatically sent to some residents of NSW’s central west after they were airlifted to safety during the region’s flood crisis.

Invoices were sent to at numerous residents who were rescued from a roof after raging floods infiltrated their town of Eugowra, one of the worst-hit in the area.

Many of the victims were retrieved from their rooftops by NSW Ambulance after rising floodwaters forced them to seek shelter on higher ground.

Eugowra was seriously impacted by floodwaters in late November this year, sparking a number of aerial rescues. (Nine)

NSW Deputy Premier Paul Toole said that fees billed automatically by NSW Ambulance will not have to be paid by the flood victims.

“It has been brought to my attention that some members of our Central West communities, including Eugowra, have been billed for rescues undertaken during the recent floods,” O’Toole said in a statement provided to 9News.com.au.

“While this NSW Ambulance process is an automated one, I have discussed this with NSW Health and changes will be made to the billing system to ensure these circumstances do not happen again.”

He said victims who were sent the bills will be notified by post that no payment will be required.

“The NSW Nationals and Liberals in Government have a proven track record of standing shoulder-to-shoulder with our regional communities in times of need – and that isn’t about to change. No one will be left to pick up the tab for their rescue.

“NSW Ambulance will be writing to affected residents advising them their invoices will be waived.”

Deputy Premier of New South Wales Paul Toole said the state government will crack down on protesters who disrupt traffic. — Deputy Premier of New South Wales Paul Toole said all invoices will be waived. (Supplied)

NSW Ambulance apologised to those who received invoices.

“Our thoughts remain with the residents of the Central West after last month’s floods and we apologise for the additional distress caused by the issuing of these invoices,” a spokesperson said in a statement.

“In recognition of the devastation people have experienced due to the floods, all invoices have been waived.”

A month on from the floods, low-income residents can access up to 13 weeks of financial support, as well as one-off payments of $1000 for adults, and $400 for children.

Businesses and not-for-profits are also being offered a $50,000 support package, while primary producers impacted by the floods have $75,000 available to them.