Property owners who are regaining access to their flood-affected properties in the Murraylands and the Riverland now have longer to access Essential Services Reconnection Grants, funded jointly by the Albanese and Malinauskas Governments.
These grants, first announced in January, have assisted property owners to get back on track following the devastating flood event last year, by helping with the costs of reconnecting essential services (electricity, gas and water, septic or sewer) where the property is the principal place of residence, is flood-affected and not covered by flood insurance.
Inspection grants (up to $400) and repair grants (up to $4200) are available to eligible households, with applications now open until the end of the year.
So far, 157 reconnection inspection grants worth $77,100 and 133 reconnection repairs grants worth $360,300 have been distributed to residents.
The Essential Services Reconnection Grants are available through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
Inspection grants can go towards an electrical safety inspection; a written report and certification for reconnection of electrical services; an inspection of mains supplied gas for the purpose of reconnection of gas supply; or towards inspection of septic systems for the purpose of repair.
Repair grants can go towards the repair work needed to reconnect any of these essential services and/or for the repair work to reconnect water or sewerage supply.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Murray Watt said both Governments will continue to assist flood-impacted residents in the state as they continue to undertake long-term recovery.
"We know that people move at different speeds when it comes to recovery, and we want to ensure that help is there, when residents are ready," Minister Watt said.
"Extending these grants enables affected property owners to continue focusing their attention on repairing homes and rebuilding in the Murraylands and Riverland communities.
"I'd encourage all uninsured property owners who have been impacted by flooding to apply at their local Recovery Centre as soon as possible."
South Australian Minister for Human Services, Nat Cook said the grant reopening will help impacted communities recover from the flood event.
"The Essential Services Reconnection Grants will assist eligible flood-affected community members inspect, repair, and reconnect essential services," Minister Cook said.
"We continue to work with the Federal Government to ensure grants are available for flood-impacted residents."
She has encouraged flood-impacted residents to apply for the grants.
"We have already delivered 290 grants to people who needed assistance to get essential services reconnected to their homes, and we are ready to assist more people who are only now able to regain safe access to their properties.
"If you need this kind of assistance, I urge you to make enquiries to see if an Essential Services Reconnection grant can help you. You can go online, visit a Recovery Centre or call the State Relief and Recovery Infoline on 1800 302 787."
A Property Inspection Grant must be applied for and completed before the Repair and Reconnect Grant can be applied for.
Applications can be made online or in person at a Recovery Centre.
For eligibility and to apply, visit Relief and financial assistance | Recovery
Berri
Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Housing SA office, 29 Vaughan Tce
Mannum Recovery Centre
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 9:30 am to 4:30 pm
Mannum Institute, 47 Randall St, Mannum
Murray Bridge Recovery Centre
Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
28 Bridge St, Murray Bridge
For current information and to view available assistance measures, please visit recovery.sa.gov.au.
Media Contacts:
Minister Watt: Brock Taylor 0499 779 387.
Minister Cook: Catherine Bauer 0478 855 367
