$50,000 grants for flood-affected farmers in NSW

Senator The Hon Bridget McKenzie

Minister for Emergency Management and National Recovery and Resilience

The Hon Paul Toole MP

New South Wales Deputy Premier

New South Wales Minister for Regional New South Wales New South Wales Minister for Police

State Member for Bathurst

The Hon Steph Cooke MP

New South Wales Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience State Member for Cootamundra

The Hon Dugald Saunders MP

New South Wales Minister for Agriculture and Western New South Wales State Member for Dubbo

NSW primary producers directly impacted by the November 2021 floods are now eligible for grants of up to $50,000 to help salvage damaged crops, produce and stock, rebuild fences, and replace machinery.

Assistance is being provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

Federal Minister for Emergency Management and National Recovery and Resilience, Senator the Hon Bridget McKenzie said primary producers in disaster declared Local Government Areas (LGAs), who have been directly affected by the severe flooding over the last month could apply for grants up to

$50,000.

"The Australian and NSW Governments are now committing at least $80 million to provide much- needed support to farmers and primary producers, to help them restock, rebuild and recover."

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the entire livelihoods of farmers and primary producers had been impacted by the floods.

"In regions like Forbes, Gunnedah and Narrabri, our farming communities have been dealt another cruel blow after years of compounding disasters - drought, bush fires, a mice plague and a global pandemic," Mr Toole said.

"Making these grants immediately available will help farmers and primary producers get back on their feet as quickly as possible."

NSW Minister for Agriculture and Western New South Wales, Dugald Saunders, said to be eligible for the grant, primary producers must derive 50 per cent of their income from primary production.

"Our primary producers have had a tough couple of years - and this funding, which will be administered by the Rural Assistance Authority (RAA), will help them salvage damaged crops, produce and stock, rebuild fences or replace damaged machinery," Mr Saunders said.

"Farmers are the backbone of our State's economy, and I encourage them to apply online at raa.nsw.gov.au so we can help them rebuild."

NSW Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience Steph Cooke said it was critical the NSW Government used a phased approach to deliver both immediate and long-term support as the State enters a challenging summer season.

"Whether it's drought, fires, floods, or COVID, we are committed to standing with the people of NSW in the face of disaster," Ms Cooke said.

"The forecast indicates more flooding and storm damage is likely throughout the summer season. We will continue to work closely with communities and industry to ensure everyone has the support they need to recover."

The new funding is being provided in addition to the assistance already provided under the State and Commonwealth Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

Primary producers requiring flood assistance are urged not to self-assess and to contact the RAA on 1300 678 593 or online via raa.nsw.gov.au

Background

Recovery Grants for primary producers

• The primary producer recovery grants of up to $50,000 are designed to provide short-term targeted assistance for recovery and reinstatement activities, including salvaging crops and repairs to damaged farm infrastructure (e.g. fencing) and equipment.
• To be eligible for the grant, primary producers must derive 50 per cent of their income from primary production and be located in one of the the 48 Local Government Areas (LGAs) already disaster declared.
• If further LGAs are disaster declared then eligibility will be extended to include those regions.
• The grants will be administered by the Rural Assistance Authority.

Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA)

• Assistance already available under DRFA to the 53 LGAs in NSW that have been disaster declared includes:
  • Help for eligible people whose homes or belongings have been damaged (eligibility criteria apply)
  • 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, and
  • Freight subsidies for primary producers.