Following last week's severe weather event (June 6) across NSW, flood recovery support has been announced for residents in affected areas, including those in the Shoalhaven.
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The federal and state government announced the assistance measures would be provided through the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
Support includes:
- Assistance for eligible residents to help meet immediate needs like emergency accommodation or small cash payments to purchase essential items generally provided from evacuation or recovery centres.
- Grants for eligible residents to replace lost essential household items to maintain basic standard of living.
- Grants for eligible residents to undertake essential structural repairs to restore their homes to a safe and habitable condition.
- Support for affected local councils to help with the costs of cleaning up and restoring damaged essential public assets.
- Concessional interest rate loans for small businesses, primary producers, and non-profit organisations and grants to sporting and recreation clubs to repair or replace damaged or destroyed property.
- Freight subsidies for primary producers to help transport livestock and fodder.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Senator the Hon Murray Watt said the extent of the flooding impact was still being assessed.
"This event has caused widespread damage across communities, with flash flooding closing roads, cutting off communities and inundating homes," Minister Watt said.
"The NSW Government is continuing to assess the situation and is adapting as we gain a clearer picture of the impact of this disaster, and the Australian Government stands ready to respond to any requests for assistance."
Other areas disaster assistance is now available include the Camden, Kiama, Shellharbour, Wingecarribee and Wollongong Local Government Areas (LGAs).
Financial assistance information, including replacing lost documents and other recovery support, residents are advised to go to www.nsw.gov.au/emergency/recovery.
For primary producer grants or to apply for a concessional loan, visit www.raa.nsw.gov.au
NSW Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said the NSW SES were out assessing damage and assisting communities.
"While the work continues to assess the impacts of these storms and floods, the NSW Government is working with the Australian Government to unlock assistance for communities that need help now," Minister Dib said.
"Thank you to the NSW SES and all volunteers who have been working night and day to responded to this severe weather event."
"We're supporting these communities to recover from this severe weather event, given many were also impacted in April this year."
Additional information on disaster assistance can be found through the Disaster Assist website at www.disasterassist.gov.au.
Holly McGuinness
Holly is a journalist for Australian Community Media, covering South Coast, NSW. As a born and bred Shoalhaven local, she's passionate about covering community concerns and amplifying local voices. To get in contact, email holly.mcguinness@austcommunitymedia.com.au.
Holly is a journalist for Australian Community Media, covering South Coast, NSW. As a born and bred Shoalhaven local, she's passionate about covering community concerns and amplifying local voices. To get in contact, email holly.mcguinness@austcommunitymedia.com.au.
