IT WAS with a sigh of relief that Nambucca and other shire councils received the news that their applications for natural disaster assistance for the severe storms and flooding in May have been accepted.
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"I'm pleased that the applications for assistance have been successful and that the NSW and Federal governments are able to provide assistance to affected communities in Oxley," Local MP Melinda Pavey said.
The funding was announced by Commonwealth Minister for Justice, Michael Keenan and NSW Minister for Emergency Services, David Elliott.
There will be an assistance package of up to $5 million for Nambucca Shire for local infrastructure, such as bridge and road repairs.
The assistance will be jointly-funded through the Commonwealth-State Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA) and will include;
• Personal hardship and distress assistance for families and individuals affected by the storms and floods, such as food, clothing and accommodation.
• Concessional loans for small business, primary producers and not-for-profit bodies, freight subsidies for primary producers and grants for voluntary not-for-profit bodies that have suffered physical damage are also available.
• Financial assistance for local and state government authorities to assist with the restoration of damaged infrastructure and the provision of counter disaster operations.
Information on disaster assistance available for this natural disaster can be found on the NSW Ministry for Police and Emergency services website at www.mpes.nsw.gov.au/nddassistance, or the Australian Government's Disaster Assist website at www.disasterassist.gov.au.