The Goulburn Mulwaree Shire can now access Commonwealth-State-funded disaster assistance due to severe flooding in the region.
The assistance has also been extended to the local government areas (LGAs) of Central Coast, Coonamble and Parkes, bringing the total number of regions able to access funds to 31.
Emergency Management Federal MP Murray Watt said some regions had experienced multiple flooding events this year.
“These kinds of repeated events can take their toll on communities who are trying to recover. We stand ready to assist wherever needed,” he said.
NSW Flood Recovery MP Steph Cooke said declaring a natural disaster was the first step in “unlocking” assistance.
“A significant number of households, business owners and primary producers continue to be impacted by this widespread flood event,” she said.
“More rain is on the way this week, which will only exacerbate the severe flooding in our regional, rural and remote communities.
“NSW will continue working closely with the Commonwealth to put additional funding and resources into the ongoing response and recovery effort.”
The 31 LGAs now subject to a natural disaster declaration are: Blayney, Bogan, Bourke, Brewarrina, Cabonne, Central Coast, Coonamble, Cowra, Dubbo, Edward River, Forbes, Gilgandra, Glen Innes Severn, Goulburn Mulwaree, Greater Hume, Gunnedah, Gwydir, Lachlan, Lithgow, Liverpool Plains, Moree Plains, Mid-Western, Narrabri, Narromine, Parkes, Tamworth, Upper Lachlan, Walgett, Warren, Warrumbungle and Weddin.
Disaster assistance was also extended to the Cowra LGA for the severe flooding which began on 27 June.
Assistance available under the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) included:
- Help for eligible people whose homes or belongings have been damaged (eligibility criteria apply)
- Support for 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.
For information relating to financial assistance, replacing lost documents, Recovery Centre locations and more, contact Service NSW on 13 77 88.
To apply for a concessional interest rate loan, contact the NSW Rural Assistance Authority on 1800 678 593.
Further information on disaster assistance could also be found through the National Emergency Management Agency.