An additional five local government areas hit by flooding in northern NSW have been declared natural disaster areas, allowing residents to access more relief funds to assist in their recovery.

The areas are Kempsey, Gloucester, Tenterfield, Glen Innes Severn and Port Macquarie Hastings.

Further local government areas may be declared in coming days as flood waters recede and assessments are completed, federal emergency management minister Mark Dreyfus said.

"One notable impact of this disaster event is in the local government areas of Glen Innes Severn, where a major landslip continues to block the Gwydir Highway in both directions between Grafton and Glen Innes," Mr Dreyfus said.

NSW emergency services minister Michael Gallacher said the initial declarations were made following the severe weather and flooding from ex-tropical cyclone Oswald, which started to impact much of north eastern NSW over the Australia Day long weekend.

Vast areas of land went underwater in the northern part of the state during the floods, including in Grafton where the Clarence River peaked.

The Insurance Council estimates about 2,000 claims worth $10 million have already been lodged in NSW.

Meantime, NSW Environment Minister Robyn Parker has announced that ten council areas in Northern NSW would have the Waste Levy temporarily waived while the flood clean up continues.

"By waiving the Waste Levy we are helping communities to clear away the flood debris and damage as quickly and cheaply as possible to get them back on their feet," Ms Parker said.

Until the end of April all waste arising from the clean up of flood damage can be deposited at the nominated tip exempt from the Waste Levy charge.

These are the councils of Ballina, Bellingen, Byron, Clarence Valley, Coffs Harbour, Kyogle, Lismore, Nambucca, Richmond Valley and Tweed.