After heavy rainfall and flooding since November 28, a formal disaster status has been granted for the Eurobodalla, Bega Valley, Snowy Monaro and Shoalhaven Council areas.
It means flood-affected residents, businesses, and clubs can access recovery grants via the Commonwealth-NSW Disaster Recovery Fund.
Grants to replace lost essential household items or to undertake essential structural repairs are available for eligible residents as well as support for affected local councils to help with the costs of the clean up.
The assistance measures are being provided by the Australian and NSW Governments 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 a 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, sporting and recreation clubs, and non-profit organisations to repair or replace damaged or destroyed property.
- Freight subsidies for primary producers to help transport livestock and fodder.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Murray Watt, said the flooding caused significant damage across the region.
“These floods are a reminder that while we’re largely experiencing a drier summer with a higher risk of bushfires, there is still the risk of flooding, and we all need to be prepared,” Minister Watt said.
“This joint support will help residents, councils, farmers, small businesses and not-for-profits get back on their feet.
“I understand the NSW Government is continuing to assess the damage and fully understand the impact of this disaster, and the Albanese Government stands ready to assist as needed.”
NSW Minister for Emergency Services, Jihad Dib, said flood impacted community members, landowners, and primary producers will be supported in their clean-up and recovery.
“We know that many in these communities have faced natural disasters in recent years and this assistance will provide support for flood-affected residents who need it most,” Minister Dib said.
“Emergency services were ready to assist the community during this sudden flooding, now this support is one way we can help assist communities get back on their feet.”
For information relating to financial assistance, replacing lost documents, location of your nearest recovery centre and more, please contact Service NSW on 13 77 88 or visit www.nsw.gov.au.
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.
Further information on disaster assistance can be found on the Australian Government’s Disaster Assist website at www.disasterassist.gov.au.
Images: Eurobodalla Shire Council, East Coast Radio
