The Commonwealth and NSW State Governments have joined forces on a Disaster Recovery Fund to help primary producers affected by ongoing floods in NSW with grants of up to $25,000.
The grants are now available for eligible primary producers in the Local Government Areas that have been disaster declared from the most recent storm and flood event.
The assistance is available for the immediate clean-up and recovery costs to repair extensive damage to properties.
Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese said: “Recent floods and storms across NSW have had a real and devastating impact on local farming communities. The Australian Government is working closely with the NSW Government to provide financial support so people can start to repair the damage caused by recent events.
“Our thoughts are with the people of NSW who have been doing it tough but continue to show immense courage and resilience.”
A full list of eligible LGAs can be viewed on the NSW Rural Assistance Authority’s (RAA’s) Declared Natural Disasters webpage.
New South Wales Premier, Dominic Perrottet said: “Sadly, many communities remain underwater, herds and crops have been swept away and the full extent of the damage is yet to be revealed.
“We have expedited the availability of this grant to ensure primary producers can readily access financial support as soon as it is required.
“This will ensure producers can get back on their feet and operational as soon as possible, and we will be ready with more assistance as required.”
Primary producers are encouraged not to self-assess and should consult with their local Rural Financial Counselling Service or apply for the scheme so that the RAA can determine eligibility.
Minister for Emergency Management, Senator Murray Watt said: “Farmers and growers have been hit hard by the current severe weather, many at a critical time in their season.
“These grants will support farmers with their immediate needs and I would encourage anyone who’s been impacted to get in touch with their local Rural Financial Counselling Service and see what help is available.
“We are wholeheartedly committed to supporting the recovery, and ultimately the survival, of farming communities impacted by this disaster.”
New South Wales Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience and Minister for Flood Recovery, Steph Cooke added: “This funding will help kickstart the clean up effort for farmers impacted by this severe flooding, many of whom haven’t been able to fully recover from previous storms and floods.
“While there’s a long road to recovery ahead, these grants will give famers immediate support to begin cleaning up and start the rebuilding process.”
For more information, or to lodge an application, visit www.raa.nsw.gov.au or call the RAA on 1800 678 593. If you are a farmer or a member of the community requiring an emergency response regarding livestock or animals, call 1800 814 647.
The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) said yesterday that although the heavy rain has cleared, and comparatively dry, settled conditions are expected until at least Friday, flood impacts are ongoing.
Widespread and prolonged disruption is being caused by flood-impacted roads, rail, homes, properties, businesses and agricultural land with road closures, community isolation and evacuation orders in many rural areas.
New South Wales Minister for Agriculture and Minister for Western New South Wales, Dugald Saunders said: “Throughout the course of this year, primary producers and regional communities have been tested again and again by the excessive rain and catastrophic floods which have severely depleted production capacity.
“This onslaught has had a major impact on the incredible food and fibre that we see all year round and now we need to stand together and support the individuals and businesses that our State has become so reliant on.”
Major Flood Warnings (as of 8am AEDT Thurs) are in place for: Barwon and Darling Rivers, Macquarie River, Lachlan River, Murrumbidgee River, Murray River, Bogan River, Macintyre River, Namoi River, Narran River, Belubula River, Castlereagh River.
Some of the towns impacted by rising floodwaters include Echuca/Moama, Barham, Hay, Warren, Mungindi, Hillston, Cowra, Condobolin, Forbes, Gundagai, Gunnedah, Nanami, Bourke, Brewarrina and Walgett.
In Forbes at Iron Bridge, flood levels are forecast to reach major flood levels by midday on Friday and possibly reach up to 10.8 metres, similar to June 1952. Gundagai peaked at 9.8 metres on Wednesday, similar to 1989.
With inland catchments saturated and many dams at capacity in NSW, BoM said waterways will remain sensitive to rainfall with some flooding expected to continue for several months.