NSW councils call for funding boost for rain-related repairs or they will ‘start closing roads’

Local government body says mayors are really struggling' with effect of extreme weather and need help from federal and state governments

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A New South Wales mayor is threatening to close roads if his council does not receive a funding boost to cover the beating" they have taken from this year's record rainfall.

The mayor of Blue Mountains council, Mark Greenhill, said extreme weather, including heavy rain, flooding and landslides, had caused $400m worth of damage in the shire - the equivalent of 10 years' worth of roadworks in 12 months. The council's total annual income is $90m.