Minister for Emergency Management and National Recovery and Resilience, Minister for Regionalisation, Regional Communications and Regional Education
Senator Hon Bridget McKenzie
Minister for Emergency Management and National Recovery and Resilience
The Hon David Elliott
New South Wales Minister for Police and Emergency Services
Disaster assistance is now available in the local government area of Oberon in NSW following severe snowstorms in August 2021.
Assistance is being provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
Minister for Emergency Management and National Recovery and Resilience, Senator the Hon Bridget McKenzie said the severe storm caused widespread damage in the Oberon area.
"Strong winds and heavy snowfalls generated by the storm caused significant disruption to the Oberon community, with all roads closed due to snow or fallen trees. Numerous schools were closed, which would have brought significant distress to the community," Minister McKenzie said.
"That's why the Liberal Nationals Government is ensuring a range of practical assistance measures are now available through DRFA to help families and individuals to get back on their feet and to support the Oberon Council to repair and restore important public assets."
New South Wales Minister for Police and Emergency Services the Hon David Elliott said these events led to a significant response from the NSW State Emergency Services.
"The assistance we are announcing today will help cover the costs associated with the operational response and repairing damaged essential public assets," Minister Elliott said.
"A range of assistance is also available to help individuals, including grants to replace essential household contents or repair structural damage to homes."
Member for Bathurst Paul Toole said the disaster assistance was welcomed, as Oberon continues its massive clean-up effort.
"This was a freak storm event no one saw coming and it's important that Oberon gets this vital support in the aftermath of these devastating snow storms," Mr Tole said.
Assistance available under the DRFA may include:
- Help for eligible people whose homes or belongings have been damaged (eligibility criteria apply)
- Support for affected local councils to help with the costs of cleaning up and restoring damaged essential public assets
- Concessional interest rate loans for small businesses, primary producers and non-profit organisations
- Freight subsidies for primary producers, and
- Grants to eligible non-profit organisations.
