The FINANCIAL — Attorney-General Robert McClelland and Minister for Regional Australia Simon Crean today announced disaster assistance for NSW small businesses and primary producers recovering from severe rainfall and flooding in early February.
Mr McClelland said joint Commonwealth/State Government assistance of clean-up and recovery grants of up to $15,000 will now be available in 16 Local Government Areas in regional NSW.
“In February, the remnants of Tropical Cyclone Yasi combined with other weather systems caused torrential rainfall and severe flooding across a number of areas in regional NSW,” Mr McClelland said.
“Primary producers and small business owners in Albury City, Balranald, Berrigan, Conargo, Cootamundra, Corowa, Greater Hume, Hay, Jerildere, Junee, Lockhart, Murray, Urana, Wagga Wagga, Wakook and Wentworth are now eligible to claim clean up and recovery grants.
“Today’s announcement is in addition to the range of payments and support being provided to these communities – as well as other disaster-affected NSW communities – through the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA).”
Visiting Wagga Wagga today, Mr Crean said February’s floods were the third major flood event in four months for many of these areas
“This was a freak weather event and it’s clear that a number of primary producers and businesses suffered as a result of the rainfall and flooding,” Mr Crean said.
“The damage caused by Cyclone Yasi in Queensland was significant, but the after-effects were also devastating to communities in NSW.
“The announcement of additional assistance today recognises the devastation and will help businesses and communities get back on their feet.
“The grants will help primary producers with general clean up costs including the removal of debris and dead livestock, purchase of fodder and replacement trading stock and repairs to damaged equipment and property access.
“They will also help small businesses affected by flooding or storms undertake or be reimbursed for repairs.
“This is an example of different levels of government working in partnership to deliver assistance where it is most needed,” Mr Crean said.
The assistance announced today is jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Governments and has been activated after NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell wrote to the Prime Minister requesting the activation of grants of up to $15,000.
These one-off $15,000 Category C Grants provided under NDRRA will consist of Tier 2 grants of up to $15,000 for both small business and primary producers, including those in agricultural and pastoral industries, requiring proof of damage and expenditure.
Source: Attorney General's Department – Australia
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