MORE LOCAL RESIDENTS, BUSINESSES CAN ACCESS DISASTER ASSISTANCE AFTER STORMS

Disaster assistance is now available for residents in the Dungog and Maitland Local Government Areas (LGAs) following severe storms and flooding from 22 February 2022.

These LGAs are in addition to the MidCoast and Port Macquarie-Hastings LGAs, previously announced as eligible for disaster assistance.

Assistance is being provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

Federal Member for Lyne Dr David Gillespie said the torrential rain and minor flooding had caused damage in many localities.

“As flood waters begin to recede around the Northern Rivers, we’re mindful that this region has been nowhere near as dramatically affected as areas further north, or as impacted as we were by the storms this time last year.

“This assistance however is to help individuals, local small businesses, primary producers and local councils to get back on their feet,” Dr Gillespie said.

Assistance available under the DRFA may include:

• Help for eligible people whose homes or belongings have been damaged (eligibility criteria apply);

• Support for affected local councils to help with the costs of cleaning up and restoring damaged essential public assets;

• Financial assistance for small businesses, primary producers and non-profit organisations; and

• Freight subsidies for primary producers.

To apply for a concessional loan or primary producer grant, contact the NSW Rural Assistance Authority on 1800 678 593 or visit www.raa.nsw.gov.au

For information on personal hardship and distress assistance, contact Service NSW on 13 77 88.

Information on disaster assistance can be found on the Australian Government’s Disaster Assist website at www.disasterassist.gov.au.