Disaster assistance is now available to help people and businesses in the Kyogle, Richmond Valley, Clarence Valley, Lismore, Coffs Harbour, Bellingen, Nambucca and Kempsey areas that have been impacted by storms and flooding.
Assistance to these local government areas was announced by Deputy Nationals Leader and Minister for Emergency Management David Littleproud under the jointly-funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
“There have been serious disaster events which caused significant damage to roads, electricity, infrastructure, motor vehicles, businesses and residential properties,” Mr Littleproud said.
“Importantly, a range of practical assistance measures are now available to support the affected communities with their recovery.”
Federal Nationals Member for Cowper Pat Conaghan welcomed the assistance, which was provided to the Coffs Harbour and Port Macquarie-Hastings local government areas earlier this month.
“The assistance announced yesterday will help severely impacted individuals, small businesses and farmers recover from the severe storms we have experienced over the past month or so,” he said.
“Grants are also available to assist individuals with the cost of replacing damaged essential household items such as bedding, furniture, clothing and white goods.
“Concessional interest rate loans for direct damage to small business and farms are also available, plus there are transport freight subsidies for farmers for up to 50 per cent on the carriage of livestock and fodder.
“If you have been severely impacted by storms or flood water, consider calling the relevant authorities to see if you are eligible for assistance.”
Disaster recovery arrangements are now in place for 71 local government areas across New South Wales.
Federal Nationals Member for Page Kevin Hogan said “the impacts of the storms and floods are still being realised”.
“This was a serious disaster event which caused significant damage to roads, electricity infrastructure, motor vehicles, businesses and residential properties,” Mr Hogan said.
“Importantly, a range of practical assistance measures are now available to support the affected communities with their recovery.”
If residents are uninsured or have low income and would like information on personal hardship and distress assistance, contact the Disaster Welfare Assistance Line on 1800 018 444.
If residents require assistance to replace damaged essential household items or would like to apply for a grant contribution toward essential structural repairs to their home to make it safe and inhabitable contact 1800 018 444.
