Minister for Emergency Management and National Recovery and Resilience, Minister for Regionalisation, Regional Communications and Regional Education
Communities affected by severe storms and floods across New South Wales in February and March 2021 are receiving an additional $200 million for their long-term recovery journey, with the staged rollout of the NSW Storm and Flood Recovery package continuing.
The package is jointly funded by the Commonwealth and NSW governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, with more than $800 million invested so far. The package includes infrastructure recovery programs, and community mental health initiatives.
Minister for Emergency Management and National Recovery and Resilience, Senator the Hon Bridget McKenzie, said the NSW Storm and Flood Recovery Package continues to play a key role in helping communities to recover and heal.
"We know it has been a long and difficult road for New South Wales communities who were affected by these devastating weather events," said Minister McKenzie.
"The NSW Storm and Flood Recovery Package is essential in supporting industry recovery, rebuilding community infrastructure, and safeguarding mental health and community wellbeing across the 78 LGAs that were heavily impacted.
"Phase three of the recovery funding will see an additional $200 million invested to boost the recovery effort," said Minister McKenzie.
78 Local Government Areas (LGAs) across New South Wales were impacted by the disaster.
The following programs are being delivered through the NSW Storm and Flood Recovery Package:
- Local Recovery Resources Program - launched today;
- Community Local Infrastructure Recovery Program (CLIRP) - launched today;
- Mental Health and Community Wellbeing Program - two programs commenced, two programs expected to launch in early to mid-2022;
- Industry Recovery Package - opened to applications on 30 September 2021;
- Rural Landholder Grants - opened to applications on 18 October 2021;
- Riverbank Rehabilitation Program - launch expected in early 2022;
- Volunteer Organisations Program - currently engaging with relevant volunteer organisations; and
- Jenolan Caves Restoration - work commenced in November 2021.
The New South Wales Environment Protection Authority (EPA) is also launching the Council Community and Recreational Asset Program today, which reimburses councils where work has already been undertaken to recover and repair community and recreational assets damaged by floods.
New South Wales Deputy Premier, Paul Toole, said it was vital to continue to deliver programs that meet the unique recovery needs of every community.
"We have already supported clean-up, provided recovery grants for small businesses and primary producers, and delivered several recovery projects to provide immediate relief and kick-start recovery," Mr Toole said.
"I look forward to continuing this important work with the launch of the $52.5 million Community Local Infrastructure Recovery Program (CLIRP), which will provide funding to repair damaged community and recreational assets.
"I'm also excited by the commencement of the Jenolan Caves Restoration, an important local project which will secure the cultural and historical value of an iconic site and help to welcome tourists back to the region this summer."
New South Wales Minister for Mental Health, Bronnie Taylor, said supporting the mental health and wellbeing of communities was crucial to recovery.
"The Local Recovery Resources and Mental Health and Community Wellbeing Programs will make a significant difference across the State, providing a boost to local recovery initiatives and ensuring tailored local support is available for those who need it most," Mrs Taylor said.
New South Wales Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience, Steph Cooke, said the recovery programs would lay the foundation for greater resilience into the future.
"Consecutive storm and flood events are having a compounding impact on communities, which is why we must ensure that households, businesses and local councils have the support they need to become more resilient to the challenges of the future," Ms Cooke said.
"We want to give communities across our State confidence that our emergency services are always prepared to keep them safe when disaster strikes, and walk alongside them for the duration of the recovery."
New South Wales Minister for Regional Youth, Ben Franklin, said the Mental Health and Wellbeing Package is funding the Regional Youth - Community Coordinators program and the Children and Young People Wellbeing Recovery Initiative in storm and flood impacted communities.
"This includes six coordinators based in high-need storm and flood-impacted communities, to boost resilience and build community capability and grants to support young people on the road to recovery," Mr Franklin said.
People requiring flood assistance are urged contact Service NSW on 13 77 88 or online at: www.service.nsw.gov.au/floods.
