COMMONWEALTH ASSISTANCE FOR NORTHERN NEW SOUTH WALES FLOOD VICTIMS
22 May 2009
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, today announced that the Commonwealth Government will provide financial assistance to communities affected by heavy rainfall and flooding in northern New South Wales.
This assistance will apply to natural disaster declared areas, including Tweed, Byron, Ballina, Lismore, Kyogle, Richmond Valley and Clarence Valley.
Funding will be provided in cooperation with the New South Wales Government through the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA), which include:
- Personal hardship and distress (PHD) grants to low-income earners whose principal place of residence has been damaged;
- Concessional loans of up to $130,000 to eligible small businesses and primary producers affected by the disaster;
- Concessional loans of up to $25,000 to voluntary non-profit organisations for the restoration of essential facilities; and
- Road and rail freight subsidies of up to $15,000 to assist primary producers for the carriage of livestock and fodder.
“The Commonwealth, through Emergency Management Australia (EMA), 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,” Mr McClelland said.
Inquiries in relation to this assistance should be made to the NSW Department of Community Services on 1800 018 444.
Media Contact: Adam Siddique 0407 473 630
