Commonwealth Assistance for New South Wales Flood Victims
8 November 2009
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, today announced that the Commonwealth Government will provide financial assistance to communities affected by recent flooding in parts of the New South Wales mid-north coast.
Commonwealth assistance is being provided to the New South Wales Government through the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA) and will apply to the natural disaster declared areas of Coffs Harbour, Bellingen, Kempsey and Nambucca regions.
This assistance may be extended to other local government areas following a more detailed assessment.
Funding will include assistance for the restoration of essential public infrastructure and relief operations, as well as personal hardship and distress assistance, including:
- personal hardship and distress (PHD) grants to low-income earners whose principal residence has been damaged. Enquiries should be directed to the NSW Department of Community Services on 1800 018 444;
- concessional loans of up to $25,000 for voluntary, non-profit organisations. Enquires should be directed to NSW Treasury on (02) 9228 5198;
- concessional loans of up to $130,000 for small businesses and primary producers. Enquiries should be directed to the NSW Department of Primary Industries on 1800 678 593;
- road and rail freight subsidies of up to $15,000 to assist primary producers for the carriage of livestock and fodder. Enquiries should be directed to the NSW Department of Primary Industries office on 1800 814 647.
The Commonwealth, through Emergency Management Australia, will continue to work closely with New South Wales authorities, local government and community organisations to ensure that affected communities have all the support they need during this difficult period.
Media Contact: Daniel Gleeson 0409 562 425
