Joint media release with the Hon Jihad Dib MP
Disaster assistance has been extended to communities in the Campbelltown, Goulburn, Hawkesbury, The Hills and Wollondilly Local Government Areas (LGAs) following the impact of flooding from 6 June 2024.
The assistance measures are being provided by the Australian and New South Wales Governments through the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
Support under these funding arrangements has already been activated for Camden, Kiama, Shellharbour, Shoalhaven, Wingecarribee and Wollongong LGAs and includes:
- Assistance for eligible low-income residents to help meet immediate needs like emergency accommodation or small cash payments to purchase essential items generally provided from evacuation or recovery centres.
- Grants for eligible low-income residents to replace lost essential household items to maintain basic standard of living.
- Grants for eligible residents to undertake essential structural repairs to restore their homes to a safe and habitable condition.
- 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 grants to sporting and recreation clubs to repair or replace damaged or destroyed property.
- Freight subsidies for primary producers to help transport livestock and fodder.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management Murray Watt said the extent of the flooding meant that communities are still recovering.
"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 said.
"The extension of support to communities across the additional five LGAs is necessary as many people have experienced two significant flood events, in April and again in June.
"The NSW Government, with Australian Government support, is continuing to respond to the needs of the community so people can return to their everyday lives."
NSW Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said the extension of support services is critical in helping communities.
"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."
"We're deeply committed to supporting these communities recover from this June severe weather event and especially as so many people were also impacted for a second time this year in April."
For information relating to financial assistance please contact Service NSW on 13 77 88 or visit www.nsw.gov.au.
To apply for a concessional loan or primary producer grant, contact the NSW Rural Assistance Authority on 1800 678 593 or visit www.raa.nsw.gov.au.
Further information on disaster assistance can be found on the Australian Government's Disaster Assist website at www.disasterassist.gov.au.
