The Albanese Government is standing with communities impacted by devastating floods in the Hunter and Mid North Coast region of New South Wales, with further support activated to help people get back on their feet.
From Tuesday 27th May, Australian Defence Force personnel alongside members of Disaster Relief Australia will be deployed to support New South Wales authorities with clearance, clean up and early recovery operations.
Coordinated by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), they will join emergency services personnel on the ground from ACT, Queensland, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia, Western Australia, and New Zealand.
Disaster Relief Australia will also help residents with clean-up efforts and damage assessments.
The Albanese Government continues to work with all levels of government to help with any requests for assistance that come from New South Wales, and as damage assessments are undertaken across the Hunter and Mid North Coast, will work to quickly activate support where it is needed.
Jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements have been activated for 19 Local Government Areas - administered by New South Wales, including support for emergency accommodation and essential items, help for small businesses and councils to repair damages, and support for our primary producers.
Jointly funded Personal Hardship Payments - administered by New South Wales, will also be available to cover essentials including food, clothing and medicines.
On top of this, applications for the Commonwealth's Disaster Recovery Allowance open at 2:00pm today for an initial four Local Government Areas - Kempsey, Port-Macquarie Hastings, Mid-Coast and Dungog.
Administered by Services Australia, this provides up to 13 weeks of income support for eligible workers that have had their regular employment impacted.
A Community Recovery Support Fund, jointly funded by the Albanese and Minns Governments, will also be made available to support councils with immediate clean up and restorations once impacts are known.
For New South Wales administered support, visit: www.nsw.gov.au/emergency/floods/recover
For Commonwealth administered support, visit: servicesaustralia.gov.au/disastersupport
Quotes attributable to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:
"At the worst of times we see the best of the Australian character, and we've seen that once again in New South Wales.
"People stepping up to help out, because that's the Australian way.
"My message to these communities is simple: we've got your back.
"That's why we're activating further support and sending more help to communities impacted by these devastating floods."
Quotes attributable to Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles:
"Australian Defence Force personnel will be on the ground this week helping impacted communities in the Hunter and Mid North Coast during the early recovery phase.
"Alongside emergency services and Disaster Relief Australia, the ADF will provide support to assist with planning, welfare checks, route clearance and the re‑establishment of critical infrastructure across the region.
"I want to thank all of those who have been working around the clock throughout this difficult time and those who will be on the ground this week to lend a hand."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain:
"I want to assure people in the Hunter and Mid North Coast that there will be a united effort between the three levels of government to support impacted communities at every stage of recovery.
"The financial assistance already activated and this clean up support on the ground is just the beginning of getting people back on their feet.
"As flood waters recede and as we get a better picture of the full extent of damage, we will work quickly to activate more tailored assistance to support people in the Hunter and Mid North Coast."
