2GB reporter Clinton Maynard told Liam Bartlett on 6PR Mornings more than 800mm of rain since the start of the year, more rain than in 66 years.

"This has led to this crisis, or as described by the Prime Minister, a catastrophe," he said.

Lismore Mayor Steve Kreig, who was born in WAA, said more federal assistance was great, but the Army and Defence personnel were not necessarily trained to deal with a flood crisis and their assistance could have been used earlier.

"We're now in recovery operation in Lismore but at the height of the problem a week that's probably when they could've done with military personnel," he said.

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