Disaster assistance is now available for communities in the Snowy Valleys Local Government Area in response to severe storms which caused localised flooding and widespread damage from 3 February 2021.
Assistance is being provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
Minister for Emergency Management David Littleproud said that throughout February 2021, a cold front and a pre-frontal trough crossed NSW producing unsettled conditions and generating severe thunderstorms across parts of the State.
"This was a serious disaster event and the funding will go towards the critical restoration and repairs for damaged roads and drainage infrastructure," Minister Littleproud said.
"It's important that the area receives the practical assistance needed to help with the ongoing clean-up effort, which is why we're making this funding available."
New South Wales Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott said communities experienced significant losses and disruption due to flash flooding and severe weather.
"Snowy Valleys Council reports that in excess of 130mm of heavy rainfall occurred within 24 hours, particularly at Adelong and Tumut," Minister Elliott said.
"As a result, numerous roads and properties were damaged and the assistance being announced today will help cover the costs associated with the operational response and repairing damaged homes and essential public assets, such as roads."
Assistance available under the DRFA may include:
help for eligible people whose homes or belongings have been damaged
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
freight subsidies for primary producers, and
grants to eligible non-profit organisations.
For information on personal hardship and distress assistance, contact Service NSW on 13 77 88. To apply for a concessional loan or grant, contact the NSW Rural Assistance Authority on 1800 678 593 or visit www.raa.nsw.gov.au
Further information on disaster assistance is available on the Australian Government's Disaster Assist website at www.disasterassist.gov.au and Service NSW at disasterassistance.service.nsw.gov.au
