Federal Disaster Assistance for New South Wales
Robert McClelland
posted Friday, 3 February 2012
Minister for Emergency Management, Robert McClelland MP, today announced that financial assistance will be made available to NSW communities affected by recent heavy rain and flooding.
Mr McClelland said assistance would be provided through the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA), jointly funded by the Commonwealth and the NSW Government, to the to the five local government areas of: Tenterfield, Greater Taree, Moree, Narrabri, Gwydir.
Mr McClelland said: “This severe weather has seen some places receive their highest rainfall in decades, and have caused damage to property and community infrastructure”.
Mr McClelland praised the efforts of local councils and the State Emergency Services in responding to and cleaning up after this event.
Mr McClelland said the current damage estimate was about $50 million, but that this figure had the potential to increase as flood water receded and more damage was identified.
“While the full extent of the damage is still being assessed, it is likely that public infrastructure damaged by flooding about a year ago will again have been damaged by this event,” said
Mr McClelland.
“Both the Commonwealth and NSW governments are committed to assisting individuals, families and communities affected by disaster events”.
Under the NDRRA, Emergency Relief Assistance is available to cover a range of expenses incurred in the immediate aftermath of an emergency.
Assistance includes:
• personal hardship and distress assistance
• concessional interest rate loans for small businesses and primary producers
• transport freight subsidies for primary producers
• restoration or replacement of essential public assets, and
• loans and grants to Churches, Voluntary Non-profit Organisations and Sporting Clubs
“This assistance is a demonstration of the Commonwealth and NSW Governments’ commitment to supporting families, councils and communities through the recovery process,” said Mr McClelland.
Further information about disaster assistance available for this event can be found at www.disasterassist.gov.au