Disaster assistance extended to flood-impacted communities in NSW

In response to the severe flooding last month, the federal and state governments have announced an extension of disaster assistance to additional communities in NSW.

In response to the severe flooding last month, the federal and state governments have announced an extension of disaster assistance to additional communities in NSW. This move aims to support recovery efforts in the Campbelltown, Goulburn, Hawkesbury, The Hills, and Wollondilly Local Government Areas (LGAs).

This assistance, provided through the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), builds on support already activated for the Camden, Kiama, Shellharbour, Shoalhaven, Wingecarribee, and Wollongong LGAs. The measures are designed to address the immediate and ongoing needs of affected residents and businesses.

Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Murray Watt, emphasised the importance of timely support for communities hit by the floods. "We know that recovery takes time, but the Australian and NSW Governments are working together to help those affected take the first steps with these more immediate assistance measures," Minister Watt stated.

The support package includes a range of measures aimed at alleviating the immediate impact of the flooding and facilitating long-term recovery. These measures encompass emergency accommodation and small cash payments for eligible low-income residents to cover essential needs, grants to replace essential household items, and funding for essential structural repairs to homes.

Additionally, affected local councils will receive support to cover the costs of cleaning up and restoring damaged essential public assets. Concessional interest rate loans will be available for small businesses, primary producers, and non-profit organisations, alongside grants for sporting and recreation clubs to repair or replace damaged property. Freight subsidies for primary producers will also be provided to assist with transporting livestock and fodder.

NSW Minister for Emergency Services, Jihad Dib, highlighted the critical nature of the extended support services.

"The NSW Government is working with the Australian Government to unlock further assistance for communities impacted by floods in early June," Minister Dib said.

"Thank you to the NSW SES and all emergency services who responded to these floods, as well as the services that continue to help people access grants, emergency accommodation, and other supports as they recover from the impacts of these events."