The retired army brigadier visited Tea Gardens, Hawks Nest and Jimmys Beach with Port Stephens MP Kate Washington to learn about the problems the Great Lakes faced in the aftermath of the storm.

‘‘Recovery means different things to different people,’’ he said.

‘‘Individuals and communities will recover at their own pace.

‘‘We’re here to support them, no matter how long it takes.’’

Since he was appointed to lead the storm and flooding recovery efforts by NSW Premier Mike Baird on April 27, Brigadier Naumann has visited residents and primary producers across the disaster-declared areas.

The Great Lakes was one of 12 local government areas declared a disaster zone after the April 20-21 storm and flooding events.

Brigadier Naumann has spoken with residents and producers to understand priority issues, which would be taken to the regional recovery committee.

The committee, and its subcommittees, would assist with the development of the regional recovery action plan, which would guide the recovery in the coming months and years.

Brigadier Naumann, Ms Washington and Great Lakes Council representatives spoke with residents on Monday morning before going to inspect Jimmys Beach.

Monday’s tour of the Great Lakes came after the Tourism Minister, Stuart Ayres, announced the NSW government would provide $1 million to the Hunter tourism economy.

‘‘This is great news for tourism operators who have been directly and indirectly impacted by the floods and storms,’’ Brigadier Naumann said.

‘‘Extra funding to kickstart the economy after an event like this is important to help them through the recovery.’’