The Federal and New South Wales Governments are providing disaster recovery support to communities in the Maitland, Port Stephens and Snowy Valleys regions, following severe storms and rainfall between 15 and 17 January.
Assistance measures that may be provided to communities through the Federal-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) include:
- Support for eligible residents to help meet immediate needs like emergency accommodation
- Grants for low income, uninsured residents to replace lost essential household items to maintain basic standard of living
- Grants for low income, uninsured residents to undertake essential structural repairs to restore their homes to a safe and habitable condition
- Support for affected local councils and other agencies to help with the costs of cleaning up, keeping the community safe 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
More Local Government Areas (LGAs) may submit assessment forms outlining damage from this event in the coming days and weeks ahead, with the opportunity to expand the proposed Natural Disaster Declaration for this event.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Jenny McAllister, said that the severe weather system had impacted multiple states and thousands of homes.
“The assistance activated today will ensure communities can access essential supplies and accommodation and ensure councils can start clean up and repairs,” Minister McAllister said.
“It is still a dynamic situation, and I urge people in affected areas to stay up to date with the latest emergency warnings and follow the advice of emergency services.
“I would like to acknowledge the efforts of first responders and the local councils who are doing a fantastic job in difficult circumstances.
“The Federal and New South Wales Governments are working hard to activate support as quickly as possible. The assistance activated today will ensure communities can access essential supplies, help restore what’s been lost and repair what’s been damaged.”
New South Wales Minister for Emergency Services, Jihad Dib, said that disaster declarations like these are crucial in unlocking assistance for communities so they can begin cleaning up as quickly as possible.
“The State Government is committed to helping people and businesses clean up debris and remain safe after the severe thunderstorms and intense rainfall,” Minister Dib said.
“There have been a high number of calls to the New South Wales SES, and I would like to thank our incredible volunteers and emergency responders who have responded to these incidents and provided vital support for the community.
“They have been busy throughout the night and will respond when needed as this wet weather continues. Please continue to watch the weather conditions and follow the advice of emergency services.”
