Disaster recovery assistance is now available to Bega Valley Shire, Eurobodalla Shire and Shoalhaven City following severe storms in May. Assistance is being provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
Senator for New South Wales Jim Molan said the DRFA will assist with damaged properties and help councils with the costs of road and infrastructure repairs and clean-up, and recovery efforts in affected communities.
“None of us will soon forget the severe winds and heavy rain that lashed the region, washing out roads and causing widespread damage to properties,” Senator Molan said.
“Importantly, a range of practical assistance measures are now available to support the affected communities with their recovery.
“The Australian Government is working closely with the New South Wales Government and we are ready to provide further assistance as necessary.”
New South Wales Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott said communities experienced significant disruption due to heavy rainfall over several days, including damage and closure of major roads, such as Araluen Road in Eurobodalla Shire.
“The assistance being announced today will help support Councils as they continue to repair damaged roads and ensure access is quickly restored to impacted communities,” Minister Elliot said.
Assistance available under the DRFA may include:
- help for eligible people whose homes or belongings have been damaged
- 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
- freight subsidies for primary producers, and
- grants to eligible non-profit organisations
For information on personal hardship and distress assistance, contact Service NSW on13 77 88. To apply for a concessional loan or grant, contact the NSW Rural Assistance Authority on 1800 678 593 or visit www.raa.nsw.gov.au
Further information on disaster assistance is available on the Australian Government’s Disaster Assist website at www.disasterassist.gov.au and the NSW emergency information and response website at www.nsw.gov.au/resilience-nsw
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