Homes around Lake Conjola were inundated during heavy rain at the end of November. Photo: Supplied.
People living in one of the five council areas impacted by severe flooding at the end of last month now have access to disaster assistance.
The funding from the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) is available for those in the Bega Valley, Edward River, Eurobodalla, Shoalhaven and Snowy Monaro local government areas impacted from 28 November.
Support can be sought for eligible residents to help meet immediate needs such as emergency accommodation, or small cash payments to buy essential items which are generally provided from evacuation or recovery centres.
Grants are also available to replace lost essential household items to maintain a “basic standard of living”, and to undertake essential structural repairs to homes in order to make them safe and habitable.
NSW Emergency Services Minister Jihad Dib said this was about supporting communities through 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,” he said.
“Emergency services were ready to assist the community during this sudden flooding, now this support is one way we can help assist communities.”
Primary producers can access freight subsidies to help transport livestock and fodder, while concessional interest rate loans can be used by small businesses, primary producers, sporting and recreation clubs, and non-profit organisations to repair or replace damaged or destroyed property.
Support will also be provided to local councils to help with the costs of cleaning up and restoring essential public assets which were damaged.
Federal Emergency Management Minister Murray Watt said while the full extent of the damage was still being assessed, the Commonwealth Government was ready to help where needed.
“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,” he said.
“This joint support will help residents, councils, farmers, small businesses and not-for-profits 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.
More information on disaster assistance can be found via the Australian Government’s Disaster Assist website.
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