Joint media release with the Hon Jeremy Rockliff MP
Up to $15 million in targeted funding is being made available to support councils, businesses, community groups and an animal hospital in areas significantly affected by the severe weather event in Tasmania on 13 and 14 October 2022.
This extraordinary recovery support is jointly funded by the Australian and Tasmanian Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
Under the new packages, existing recovery grants for non-profit organisations will be extended to non-profit sporting organisations who are not registered charities, enabling them to apply for up to $25,000 to help with the costs of clean up and restoration. More information on the grant program will be made available shortly.
Wing's Wildlife Park will receive support for the reconstruction of its not-for-profit native animal hospital, which was demolished after sustaining significant damage.
The only facility of its kind on the north-west coast, the hospital will be able to continue caring for injured and orphaned native wildlife, and its contribution to a range of important environmental and conservation programs.
The new funding also provides up to $2 million in grants for private landholders who are not primary producers to assist with the costs of cleaning up debris and repairing damage on their land. Further information on these grants will be made available in the New Year.
Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff said the Tasmanian Government is continuing to listen and take action where we can to help as the community recovers.
"Having visited a number of affected properties, there is no doubt the floods had a significant impact and our thoughts continue to be with those who suffered damage to their properties, businesses, and possessions," the Premier said.
"This latest round of funding will be welcome news to communities who are still dealing with the impacts, as well as businesses such as Wing's Wildlife Park, which plays such an important role in the North West community."
Federal Minister for Emergency Management Murray Watt said the funding is in addition to the range of assistance already available under the DRFA to help affected individuals, families, small businesses, primary producers, non-profit organisations and local councils with their recovery from the extreme weather event.
"Today's announcement enables the Tasmanian Government to access assistance for the restoration of state and local government owned environmental, recreational and community assets," Minister Watt said.
"It also provides support for sporting organisations and private landholders who were not previously eligible for funding.
"This is another example of the Australian and Tasmanian governments working collaboratively to provide practical assistance to support communities as they recover.
"The Albanese Government is committed to ensuring communities are better prepared and can recover quicker from natural disasters."
The Australian and Tasmanian governments will continue to work together to ensure flood-affected communities receive the support and assistance they need to recover.
Further information on the Community Recovery Fund and other assistance is available on the TasRECOVERY website and the Australian Government's Disaster Assist website.
