DISASTER assistance for people in Kempsey and Nambucca affected by the recent East Coast storms and floods has been extended.
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Minister for justice Michael Keenan and New South Wales deputy premier and minister for justice and police Troy Grant recently announced that assistance will be provided through the jointly-funded Commonwealth-State Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA) for an additional four NSW communities following the wild weather that occurred from June 1. They include Ballina, Kempsey, Nambucca and Port Stephens.
"While the severe weather is finally behind us, the impact is still being felt, including homes and businesses severely damaged and some communities still recovering from severe floodwaters," Mr Keenan said.
"I encourage all eligible affected residents and businesses to contact the Disaster Welfare Assistance Line or the NSW Rural Assistance Authority to access this assistance.”
This NDRRA assistance has now been activated for a total of 41 NSW local government areas.
The assistance includes:
- Assistance to help eligible people whose homes or belongings have been damaged and who meet an assets and income test
- Assistance to help councils in the affected local government areas with the costs associated with cleaning up and restoring damaged essential public assets
- Concessional interest rate loans for small businesses, primary producers and not-for-profit organisations; freight subsidies for primary producers; and grants to not-for-profit organisations.
Given that Coffs Harbour City Council and Port Macquarie-Hastings Councils have already been declared affected areas and are eligible for grants, Federal Member for Cowper Luke Hartsuyker said he is thrilled that Kempsey and Nambucca Shires have also been added to the list.
“I’ve seen first-hand the devastating damage to infrastructure and the horticulture industry across the entire electorate after the super storm earlier this month and based on that I have briefed the offices of Justice Minister Michael Keenan and Agriculture Minister Barnaby Joyce.”
The NSW Government will determine how the funds are allocated while the Federal Government will reimburse up to 75 per cent of the funds distributed.
“Eligible costs include assistance measures for individuals and families, small businesses, primary producers, non-profit organisations and local and state government agencies.”
For more information contact the Disaster Welfare Assistance Line on 1800 018 444 or the NSW Rural Assistance Authority on 1800 678 593.
