Residents and businesses in nine South Australian local government areas are now able to apply for a range of assistance to help them clean up, get back to business and back into homes.
The Albanese and Malinauskas Governments today announced $126.25 million in further disaster assistance for communities hit by the devastating flooding that peaked in Renmark on Boxing Day and is subsequently impacting downriver areas.
The funding for the flood event that started in mid-November 2022 and continues to cause major issues for communities all along the Murray River, is being provided through the jointly-funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
A comprehensive range of assistance is available:
- Property Assessment and Essential Services Reconnection; $10 million to assess damage to primary residential properties including structural damage, electrical infrastructure and reconnection of services.
- Small Business Recovery Grants: $9.3 million (up to $50,000 per business) to help affected businesses get up and running again.
- Primary Producer Recovery Grants: $45.9 million (up to $75,000 per producer) for clean-up and reinstatement of the primary producer businesses.
- Waste Management Program: $60 million for assessment of hazardous waste, including disposal, and other waste management activity.
- Blackwater: $800,000 to assist with clean-up of large scale fish kills.
- Legal Assistance: $250,000 for legal assistance for affected people and businesses.
The nine local government areas eligible for funding are Alexandrina Council, Berri Barmera Council, Coorong District Council, District Council of Karoonda East Murray, District Council of Loxton Waikerie, Mid Murray Council, Murray Bridge Council, Pastoral Unincorporated Area and Renmark Paringa Council.
Further measures being provided through a separate funding process include $5 million for a range of activities relating to flood mitigation and recovery for impacted councils, and $250,000 for mentors for rural businesses and financial counselling support for families.
