Government extends disaster recovery support following NSW flooding

​​​​The federal and NSW state governments are collaborating to provide targeted and timely assistance to affected regions in the aftermath of severe flooding.   

Workers' compensation schemes in NSW provide workplace injury insurance for around 4.7 million workers. There were around 110,000 injured workers' compensation claims in 2022–23.  

In response to the devastating floods that swept through several regions of NSW last week, the Federal and NSW state governments have initiated comprehensive disaster recovery assistance measures. The affected areas encompass the Blue Mountains, Camden, Hawkesbury, Kiama, Liverpool, Penrith, Shellharbour, Shoalhaven, Sutherland, Upper Lachlan, Wingecarribee, Wollondilly, and Wollongong Local Government Areas (LGAs).  

These measures will be facilitated through the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) and aim to aid communities in their recovery efforts by providing various support services.  

Among the assistance measures offered are funding allocations for local councils to help clean up and restore essential public assets damaged by the flooding. Additionally, eligible residents will receive aid to meet immediate needs, such as emergency accommodation and small cash payments for essential items. Grants are also available to replace lost household items and undertake structural repairs necessary to restore homes to a habitable condition.  

Furthermore, concessional interest rate loans are being provided to small businesses, primary producers, sporting and recreation clubs, and non-profit organisations to repair or replace damaged property. For primary producers specifically, freight subsidies will be provided to assist in transporting livestock and fodder.  

Acting Federal Minister for Emergency Management Catherine King emphasised the urgency of the response, stating, "It's important that we act quickly to activate disaster support so affected communities can begin their cleanup and recovery."   

She extended gratitude to those involved in the initial cleanup efforts and assured affected individuals of ongoing support throughout the recovery process.  

Echoing these sentiments, NSW Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib commended the efforts of emergency services and volunteers.   

"We are grateful to our volunteers and to our communities who have worked together to keep each other safe as these intense storms passed through NSW," Minister Dib expressed.  

As flood damage assessments continue, federal and state governments remain committed to providing necessary aid to support communities in their recovery endeavours.